Community radio station loses bid for full-time licence (From Gazette Series)

Community radio station GLOSSFM loses bid for full-time licence

9:30am Wednesday 14th December 2011 in News By Marion Sauvebois

A VOLUNTEER-run radio station in Thornbury has lost a bid to go full-time despite completing its best four-week set to date.

GLOSSFM, which has been broadcasting twice a year since 2005, was one of seven community radios in the South West to apply for the licence.

The news from Ofcom that no suitable frequency had been found for the Thornbury and Yate area came as a blow to presenters last week.

Yet, the setback has not disheartened staff members, who are already back in the recording studio.

Management team member David Wrench said: "We are obviously very disappointed. However, the show must go on and we wish to assure everyone that it is business as usual.

"We requested a broadcast area that reflected our community in this part of South Gloucestershire.

"Ofcom were unable to find a suitable FM frequency to support a service for Thornbury and surrounding areas.

"Having only been informed of this three days before the public announcement, we immediately offered to work with Ofcom to find a solution but this was rejected by the broadcast watchdog, who said they would not enter into negotiations relating to the target coverage area."

Technical director Phil Makepeace said: "Ofcom stated that an unused channel on the FM broadcast frequency (87.5-108MHz) could not be found within our proposed coverage area.

"The actual number or channel given would have been decided by Ofcom, had there been one available."

The station was set up in 2005 under the name ThornburyFM and took on the new moniker in 2009.

It will continue to build on its year-round webcast and start planning for its next four-week run in May 2012.

Mr Wrench added: "GLOSSFM has incredible support across the communities of Thornbury, Yate, Chipping Sodbury and beyond.

"We are most grateful to organisations, individuals, business and local government for their valuable contributions.

"On behalf of the community, we are determined to continue building on our success."

To find out more about GLOSSFM or to listen to the webcast visit glossfm.org