Ofcom has today announced the award of four new community radio licences to serve communities in Wandsworth and surrounding areas of south west London, Newham, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Greenwich. Community radio services are provided on a not-for-profit basis, focusing on the delivery of specific social benefits to a particular geographical community or a community of interest. Licences have been awarded to:

Flex FM will provide a community radio service for 15-30 year old dance music fans in Merton, Wandsworth, Sutton and Kingston-upon-Thames.

Radio Minhaj will provide a community radio service for black, Asian and other ethnic minorities in Newham.

Nomad Radio will provide a community radio service for the Somali community in Hammersmith and Fulham.

Maritime Radio will provide a community radio service for the local community in Greenwich.

See the statement setting out the main determining factors for the award of the community radio licences referred to above. Community radio licences are awarded for a five-year period.

Ten years of community radio

Community radio, which offers thousands of volunteers the chance to get involved in broadcasting across the UK, is ten years old. The last decade has seen the number of community radio stations increase from just a handful to more than 250 stations, each reflecting the local needs and interests of its audience.

Resulting from a review of its review of community radio licensing and technical policy, Ofcom will amend its technical policy to remove references to set coverage areas for community radio stations. They will adopt a more flexible approach, and applications will be considered for wider areas where applicants can clearly demonstrate the proposed coverage area will better serve its target community, where it is technically possible.