RA RECEIVES 2 APPLICATIONS - DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

15 Jul 2003 02:15 PM

The Radio Authority's closing date for receipt of applications for the re-advertised Independent Local Radio (ILR) licence for the Dumfries & Galloway area, in South-West Scotland, was today (15 July).

Two applications have been submitted for this licence on the FM (VHF) waveband. The details of those applying are listed below, together with a brief outline of each group's proposed programme format:

D-G-RADIO LTD. - Rutherford-McCowan, Crichton Campus, Dumfries, DG1 4ZL (contact: Professor Rex Pyke, 01387 702013); a full service radio station providing truly local radio for the people of the Dumfries & Galloway area for the first time;

SOUTH WEST SOUND LTD., the existing licensee - Unit 40, Loreburne Shopping Centre, Dumfries, DG1 2BD (contact: Sheena Borthwick, 01292 283662); adult contemporary and chart music, local, national and international news, local sport and information.

The new licence will be awarded for a period of eight years (to be amended to twelve years under the new broadcasting legislation when enacted) from 1 January 2005.

Copies of the applications will be available for scrutiny in the reference sections of the public libraries in Dumfries (Ewart Library) and Newton Stewart, and at the Radio Authority's offices. The Authority welcomes comments on the proposals put forward by the applicants, and upon the tastes and requirements of listeners in this area. These should be sent to the Director of Development, Radio Authority, Holbrook House, 14 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5DG, to arrive by Monday, 1 September.

The Authority expects to announce its decision about the award of the licence in the Autumn.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. South West Sound began broadcasting in May 1990. The licence was previously re-advertised, and re-awarded to South West Sound, in 1995.

2. The Radio Authority is responsible for licensing and regulating Independent Radio in accordance with the statutory requirements of the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996. It plans frequencies, awards licences, regulates programming and advertising, and plays an active role in the discussion and formulation of policies which affect the Independent Radio industry and its listeners.