Cheshire FM application
1 Station Name Guidance Notes What is the proposed station name? This is the name you expect to use to identify the station on air. Cheshire FM
2. Community to be served Guidance Notes Define the community or communities you are proposing It is a legislative requirement that a service is intended to serve. Drawing from various sources of data (e.g. from primarily to serve one or more communities (whether or the Office of Population, Census and Survey) and in relation not it also serves other members of the public) and we need to your proposed coverage area, please determine the size to understand who comprises that community or of the population concerned and the make-up of the communities. The target community will also be specified in population as a whole, along with any relevant socio- the licence, if this application is successful. economic information that would support your application. The legislation defines a ‘community’ as: people who live or (Please tell us the sources of the information you provide.) work or undergo education or training in a particular area Answer in fewer than 300 words: or locality, or people who have one or more interests or characteristics in common. Cheshire FM will serve the diverse needs of a growing mid Cheshire community comprising those who live, work or study in the area. The key population centres in mid Cheshire are Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich - the ‘Salt’ towns - which have a longstanding shared industrial and social heritage. Whether it’s transport links, employment centres, schools or colleges, the community ties between the three towns are incredibly strong and Cheshire FM will play a vital role in further cementing and celebrating these affinities. According to the 2011 Census: • The population of Northwich stood at 45,471 - 36,673 (81%) aged 16+. There were 22,397 (49.3%) males and 23,074 (50.7%) females with 73% of the adult population economically active (14% retired). The population is 97.7% white with no other significant ethic group identified. There were 19,969 households with 73% owned; 27% rented. The average household size 2.3. • The population of Winsford stood at 30,259 - 24,023 (79%) aged 16+. There were 14,642 (48.4%) males and 15,617 (51.6%) females with 70% of the adult population economically active (14% retired). The population is 97.9% white with no other significant ethic group identified. There were 23,766 households with 67% owned; 33% rented. The average household size 1.3. • The population of Middlewich stood at 13,595 - 10,975 (81%) aged 16+. There were 6,714 (49.4%) males and 6,881 (50.6%) females with 74% of the adult population economically active (15% retired). The population is 98.5% white with no other significant ethic group identified. There were 5,923 households with 78% owned; 22% rented. The average household size 2.3. Cheshire FM will serve a community that not only shares a common geography but also many of the challenges of living in a rural part of Cheshire.
3. Proposed area Guidance Notes What is the area you propose to serve? Although we believe it is helpful to set guidance that frequency availability may often limit transmission powers to around 25 watts and the coverage radius to around 5km, we are adopting a more flexible approach and will consider applications for wider areas where applicants can demonstrate that the proposed coverage area will better serve the target community, and where it is technically possible. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/1 01459/community-radio-future-licensing-technical-policy- statement.pdf The target area is centred on the cluster of towns and villages that make up mid Cheshire. These include Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich with a combined population of circa 89,000 people. The area also embraces discrete rural
Cheshire FM application
villages including Holmes Chapel (5,605); Weaverham (6,391); Wincham (2,162); Lostock Gralam (2,298); Hartford (5,558), Cuddington (5,333); Davenham & Sandiway (2,745); Moulton (2,370); Bostock Green (229); Byley (235) and Lach Dennis (580).
Programmes and programme output: Definitions: Studio location: The studio from which the service will be broadcast should be located within the licensed area. Locally-produced: Locally-produced output is output made and broadcast from within the service’s licensed coverage area. (It is anticipated that most stations will produce the bulk of their output themselves, in the locality. However, for some target communities it may be appropriate for fairly high levels of output to originate from outside the licensed area.) Live output: is that which is produced by a presenter in the studio at the time of broadcast. (The amount of live output may vary between different services depending on the needs or expectations of the target community.) Original output: output that is first produced for and transmitted by the service, and excludes output that was transmitted elsewhere before. Original output can be live or voice-tracked. Repeat broadcasts of original output do not count towards the minimum requirement. Peak time: it may be helpful to state what material will be broadcast in ‘peak time’. If you do, please say what you consider peak time to be for your target community (this may vary from station to station). Automated output/voice-tracked material: most stations will carry automated output at some time. The amount of automated or voice-tracked material does not need to be specified in the Key Commitments. Sustaining service/third party produced material: if you intend to broadcast material produced by a different organisation please state what it is and how much (per day or week as appropriate).
4. Programming output Guidance Notes Please fill-in all three questions below The law requires applicants to state their proposals for Question A asks you to describe your programme service. providing a service that would: Question B relates to how your output will serve the tastes (i) cater for the tastes and interests of members of its and interests of your target community. target community or communities (or for any particular tastes and interests in those communities); Question C is about how your service will broaden the range of local (non-BBC) services available in your area. (ii) broaden the range of programmes available on non- BBC local services (commercial and community 2 Cheshire FM application
Later in this form you will be asked to draft your own ‘key stations) to members of the relevant community or commitments’. This will form the basis of your licence and communities; is what Ofcom will judge you against. It should include a (iii) broaden the overall range of such non-BBC local summary of your proposed programme output as set out services provided in the area concerned; and below and reflect your commitment to cater for relevant (iv) have a distinct nature, or provide distinct content, from tastes and interests, to broaden the range of relevant any non-BBC local services with which it would overlap. programmes and services and to provide a service with a distinct nature and content as set out in the Guidance Ofcom is required to consider the extent to which an Notes in the column opposite. applicant’s proposals will cater for the tastes and interests of members of its target community or communities.
Ofcom is also required to consider the extent to which proposals for a community radio station would broaden the range of programmes available by way of non-BBC local services (both commercial and community stations) in the area concerned (especially, the extent to which a proposed service would have a distinct nature or provide distinct content from any overlapping non-BBC local services). The information given here should be more detailed than what you set out in your draft key commitments (later in this form), and will help us gain a fuller understanding of how you will serve your target community and what the station will sound like. 4. Programming output A: Please tell us about your programme service. The following questions may help you describe your programme service (but should only be used as a guide): • What will the service sound like? • What music will you play? • What are the main speech elements of the service and how will the social gain/community benefits you propose be reflected on-air? • What is the likely music to speech ratio? • Will this vary at different times of the day or week (or year)? • Do you intend to broadcast live output? If so when and how much do you propose to do? • Will you broadcast in languages other than English (what languages and how much)? • Will your output be original i.e. specifically produced for your service? • Will it be locally produced? • Do you intend to repeat material?
Answer in fewer than 1,000 words:
Station Sound The station will deliver a varied range of programmes designed to reflect the life, aspirations and community spirit of mid Cheshire. Cheshire FM will be a unique sound blending of music and features presented by local people. The music will, at times, have wide appeal and at other times be of specialist interest. The features will include local and regional news and detailed community information, including local events (e.g. FAB music festival). Cheshire FM will report on sport and politics and be a forum for discussion and debate. The station will promote the arts as well environmental and heritage events (e.g. Middlewich Roman Festival). Specifically, during Breakfast and afternoon ‘Drivetime’ the station’s output will be designed to appeal to the widest cross-section of listeners. It is vital that the new station makes a strong and immediate impact in these key dayparts and attracts a critical mass of listeners. Accordingly, presenters with the most experience will present these shows, supported by volunteers providing local information, weather, traffic news and feature content. Through the middle of the day the emphasis will be more on those listening at home, in the workplace and travelling across mid Cheshire. Evenings will be a place where presenters with an interest in a particular music genre will be able to share that passion with other listeners.
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Music Research was undertaken by Cheshire FM to help inform plans for the station. It showed that people enjoy hearing a variety of styles - so this will be reflected in the music played. The research (detailed in Section 15) also confirmed that the 1980s and 90s prevail as the most popular eras amongst the general population in mid Cheshire. In daytime, music will be familiar and broad-based by both genre and era. During general programming, therefore, Cheshire FM will play approximately 50% ‘mainstream pop’, 20% ‘rhythmic pop’ and 30% ‘rock-pop’. In terms of era, the station will be firmly centred on the 1980s and 90s, although current and classic hits will also appear. At launch the composition of daytime hours, by era, will be as follows:
ERA PROPORTION
1960s and 70s 15%
1980s 35%
1990s 25%
2000s 5%
Post 2010 20%
During the evening and at weekends Cheshire FM will meet the needs of those with a passion for music that sits outside the mainstream. Genres featured will include, but are not limited to, Rock, Indie, Dance and Country, amongst others. Speech In general programming, presenters will be encouraged to build local relevance into the content they deliver. Moreover, they will be discouraged from relying on ‘entertainment’ and ‘trivia’ content commonplace on radio elsewhere. Presenters will be trained before going on air and provided with ongoing help and guidance on how to generate engaging, original content based on their own ‘real life’ experiences here in mid Cheshire. In terms of station-led speech content, Cheshire FM will create a framework of features where a range of relevant topics can be aired and discussed. These features will run in the middle of the day and become hallmark characteristics of the station across weekdays. Topics and guests will be continually reviewed, but from the outset features will include: • Consumer Advice with Cheshire West Citizens Advice Bureau • Health and Wellbeing with Healthwatch, Cheshire Community Development Trust and NHS Mid Cheshire • Crime and Safety, with Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire Service, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire • Legal Matters, with a prominent local law firm • Travel and Leisure, with a local travel expert • Pet Care, with advice from a local veterinary practice Additional features will include; Style and fashion; gardening; careers; and the arts scene in mid Cheshire The station’s team of volunteers and trainees will be assigned to the task of pre-recording community and general feature content from around the area and packaging it up for broadcast. This will provide added ‘texture’ to the output whilst allowing the station’s trainees to gain valuable hands on experience of recording, editing and producing programme content. Cheshire FM has partnered with a local drama group who are recording a short-form radio drama series for broadcast on the station. Written locally, it’s called ‘Welcome to Eastwich!’. The series tells the story of a fictional Cheshire village ‘with a picturesque church and winding canal’
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Cheshire FM will also use broadband and 4G technology to broadcast live or ‘virtually live’ from venues and events as appropriate. The station has developed a reliable and user-friendly delivery protocol, requiring no cabling or special equipment. Output will generally be live at the following times: • Weekdays 07:00 – 19:00 • Weekends 08:00 – 18:00 From the outset, Cheshire FM will establish and maintain the highest possible on-air standards. Whilst the station will not be chasing ratings, it does need to reach a critical mass of listeners for the various community-focused elements to work effectively. Funders are more likely to support a well-crafted product. The station will, therefore, be professionally delivered and designed to appeal to the widest audience. A fundamental aspect of this professionalism is an unswerving commitment to delivering the social gain elements set out in this application. State-of-the-art technology will enable the station to broadcast from almost anywhere and the intention is to regularly visit locations around the transmission area, to truly reflect local life. Cheshire FM will set out its stall as ‘mid Cheshire’s own radio station – for the area, by the people who live here’. All output will be presented in English. All programming will be locally produced and specific to Cheshire FM. There are no plans to carry any syndicated programmes.
B. What is the address of the proposed studio (if known)?
Middlewich
C: Based on what you have said above, how will your proposed radio service cater for the tastes and interests of your target community/communities? Answer in fewer than 400 words:
Cheshire FM will cater for the tastes and interests of our community by providing a range of locally relevant information and features as highlighted by our research. There will be a broad mix of music across daytimes (0600- 1900). Outside of overnights (0000-06000) and weekday daytimes, the station will provide niche music programmes serving different sections in the community. The area is rich in the performance of ‘live’ music and many individuals and groups have already signed up to deliver weekly genre-specific programmes showcasing Local Unsigned Artists; Northern Soul; Rock, Country and Dance. A mixed music and sports programme is planned for Saturday afternoons to reflect the full range of sporting activities and clubs in mid Cheshire as well as four tier 7/8 football clubs. Cheshire FM will meet the need for local news and sport, what’s on and community information by delivering these elements right across the daytime output. Given its location - between the busy 8-lane M6 and M56 motorways - the need for traffic information is essential. The mid Cheshire towns and villages can quickly become gridlocked if there is an incident on either of the motorways. Rapid delivery of this information is a key priority for Cheshire FM. Cheshire FM will establish an ‘Advisory Panel’ to provide guidance and feedback on programming. With continual input, future programme content will be developed which anticipates the needs of all those within the community. In addition to the Advisory Panel, Cheshire FM will actively pursue the interests of local people by working proactively with those organisations and associations that embody the culture, lifestyle, business and leisure interests of mid Cheshire. Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich form a distinct mid Cheshire community with little affinity to the larger nearby population centres of Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Chester or Liverpool. People, therefore, tend to be community-focussed. That was why the original community radio station (CR103) was hugely popular. Cheshire FM aims to build on previous success with a commitment to a diverse range of speech and music programmes that will provide something for all members of the mid Cheshire community. It will also re-establish the important relationships with the voluntary and charitable organisations that worked closely with the original station. Cheshire FM aims to stand apart from other radio services in terms of its public service content and presentation style – whilst retaining production values that sit comfortably on the dial alongside other stations.
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D: How will your proposed community radio service add to the range of programmes available on non-BBC local services (commercial and community stations) to members of the relevant community or communities, add to the overall range of such services in the area concerned and be different and distinct from them? Please tell us which non- BBC local services your station will overlap with. Answer in fewer than 400 words:
The mid Cheshire towns of Northwich, Middlewich and Winsford are largely unserved by local commercial radio. There has been no community radio presence since the closure of the original ‘Cheshire FM’ in January 2012. Heart North West is a ‘full service mainstream popular music station’ owned by Global. ‘Easy listening’ Smooth North West is operated by Communicorp UK under licence from Global. Neither station meets the needs of any specific geographical community, nor do they deliver targeted local news. Northwich is covered by Capital Manchester, Radio X Manchester and XS Manchester, three music-driven services from Manchester. The appeal of these stations is entirely based on tightly-formatted music and generic lifestyle- orientated content. Bauer’s Hits Radio Manchester also reaches the eastern parts of Northwich. Previously known as Key 103, Hits Radio is now part of a quasi-national network of Hits Radio stations. Signal 1 is a ‘locally oriented chart and adult contemporary station aimed primarily at 15-45-year-olds’ broadcasting on FM and DAB. Its ‘sister’ station, Signal 2 is ‘a local classic hits and information station aimed primarily at 30-55- year-olds’. Middlewich, Winsford and parts of Northwich are right at the northern extremity of the Signal 1 / Signal 2 TSA. These stations, recently acquired by Bauer, rarely mention mid Cheshire and there is no brand visibility. Between 7pm and 6am all output is shared with several other Bauer-owned stations around the UK. On the AM band generic ‘classic-hits’/’’oldies’ stations ‘Gold’ (Global) and ‘Greatest Hits Radio’ (Bauer) can also be received. None of these provide any content of specific relevance to mid Cheshire. Cheshire FM will be unlike anything else in the area. Broadcasting from the heart of the county, the station will offer a range of programmes delivered by presenters and volunteers who live and work in mid Cheshire, with extensive knowledge of the area and the issues of interest and relevance. Apart from national news and sports bulletins, the speech content will be exclusively local to mid Cheshire. Local people will be encouraged to participate as presenters, volunteers/trainees, interviewees/guests, by phone, email or social media.
Social gain
5. Social gain Guidance Notes Community radio is required to be for the public good and to Broadcasting legislation specifies a number of ‘characteristics bring community benefits, or social gains, to listeners and of community radio services’. Licence holders need to ensure participants. The requirement for ‘social gain,’ is one of the their services conform to these characteristics, including in this key factors that makes community radio stations different case the delivery of social gain. from other radio services. The legislation sets out social gains that stations must provide. Please tell us what community benefits your service will bring These are the achievement, in respect of individuals or groups to your target community(ies) and/or the general public. of individuals in the target community, or in respect of other Please include summaries of evidence to support your answer. members of the public, of the following objectives – Answer in fewer than 1,500 words: (a) the provision of a radio service to individuals who are otherwise underserved by such services, (b) the facilitation of discussion and the expression of opinion, (c) the provision (whether by means of programmes included in the service or otherwise) of education or training to individuals not employed by the station, and (d) the better understanding of the particular community and the strengthening of links within it. Social gain may also include the achievement of other objectives of a social nature.1
1 See Article 2(3) of the Community Radio Order 2004 and Ofcom’s Notes of guidance for community radio applicants and licensees. 6 Cheshire FM application
Applicants are required to provide evidence that their service will result in significant social gain to the public or the target community(ies). Copies of letters or research reports etc. should not be submitted, but brief relevant extracts from them, which represent an accurate and comprehensive summary, may be included. If we wish to see the source material, we will ask for it. Ofcom is required to have regard to the extent to which your proposed service would result in the delivery of social gain to the public or target community. (a) the provision of a radio service to individuals who are otherwise underserved by such services,
Cheshire FM will work in partnership with a wide variety of local community and voluntary organisations to ensure that the station serves those individuals and organisations that feel underserved by commercial and BBC radio. We are confident this will:
• Provide a platform for the underserved to have their voice heard • Create an accessible outlet for community expression and development
• Offer a medium for the creation and promotion of music & the arts locally • Improve community cohesion • Facilitate partnership working with local stakeholder organisations
• Help the station shape its output in line with listener needs This approach is not new. Cheshire FM undertook research which revealed that individuals and organisations still have lasting memories of the previous community radio station that served mid Cheshire between 2007 and 2012. The closure of that station not only left a vacuum of truly local information, news, weather and travel but also the absence of a community ‘champion’. A summary of the station’s many successful activities is included Appendix A. The original station is fondly remembered and was well-respected for what it did within the community and how it helped other community organisations. The closure of the original Cheshire FM has left the mid Cheshire towns unserved as, in that intervening seven years, no other station has stepped in to fill the void. The new Cheshire FM aims to redress that situation by reinstating the ethos that will, once again, place the station at the heart of the mid Cheshire community. In addition to the core staff, Cheshire FM will be operated by a group of volunteers who will be fully trained to produce and present the station’s output. In addition to the many years’ radio experience of the Station Management team, Cheshire FM will work in close partnership with local schools and other educational establishments to offer students a real, hands-on environment for broadcasting. (b) the facilitation of discussion and the expression of opinion,
Cheshire FM will be the means for community discussion, and opportunities to debate and discuss issues in specialist and general programming and thereby facilitate greater social (and political) engagement. Cheshire FM will be a practical, immediate and cost-effective means of reaching and engaging mid Cheshire’s rural communities in dialogue on meaningful issues of local concern. Cheshire FM ’s aim is to provide a service where people can also access information, make their voices heard, or change things in their community. This consistent theme will be carried in specific programmes by means of an in-studio discussion or phone-in. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many organisations in mid Cheshire have trouble in communicating their message with the public. Likewise, the public have commented via the online questionnaire that they miss having a radio station that promotes the activities that are happening in Northwich, Middlewich and Winsford. Cheshire FM’s ‘Action Desk’ and ‘What’s On’ features, along with interviews and longer speech-based programmes will address those issues. The station will become a comprehensive resource for activities and opportunities within mid Cheshire via on-air programming, the Cheshire FM website and social media channels. (c) the provision (whether by means of programmes included in the service or otherwise) of education or training to individuals not employed by the station, and
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Cheshire FM is committed to the provision of quality training for everyone involved in the operation of the station, whether they are directors, management, paid workers or volunteers. Cheshire FM has previously worked with Mid Cheshire College, Rudheath Community High School (Specialist status for Arts) and St Nicholas Catholic High School (Enterprise and Business College) and aims to engage with these and other schools and training organisations in the community to develop and promote pathways to wider education and skills training. Cheshire FM will aim to offer work experience opportunities particularly for young people. Training and development for staff and volunteers will receive the highest priority on the basis that high standards in everything we do must be the goal to achieve success and is directly linked to the sustainability of our audience and the radio service. This commitment to training will also ensure that staff effectiveness and staff morale are developed and maintained through personal development, and fostering a sense of professional pride and achievement in what the station achieves. (d) the better understanding of the community and the strengthening of links within it.
Cheshire FM is committed to an active role within the community; from recruiting volunteers from many different organisations to take part in programme output; to engaging with the community at regular outside broadcasts. There are scores of events and celebrations throughout the year in which Cheshire FM will be actively involved. These include the Christmas lights switch-ons, the annual FAB Festival in Middlewich, St Luke’s Hospice Midnight Walk, Winsford Salt Fair and the Cheshire Food Festival amongst many others. Additionally, listener participation will be encouraged in our programming, with live calls taken on air, competitions, and constant interaction via social media. • On-Air Cheshire FM will track feedback on its programmes and activities. These will include any emails to the station, text messages, as well as telephone contact. Cheshire FM will review feedback at monthly team meetings and will use this information to inform what it does. • Off-Air Cheshire FM commits to an annual online survey to track performance and establish the ongoing needs and aspirations of the groups served. This will be promoted on air and via social media. As active members of the local community, many of the people that will be working and volunteering on the station will bring their own understanding of the community to the mix - as their views and ideas will always be part of the station’s DNA. • Outreach Cheshire FM will be out in the community on a regular basis. This not only affirms Cheshire FM’s position and role at the heart of the community but also means that staff and volunteers are kept in close proximity with the audience they serve which will be invaluable in helping measure the station’s effectiveness in the community. • Social Media With an active social presence on multiple platforms, Cheshire FM use its engagement to stay in touch with members of the mid Cheshire community and understand what they want from their community radio station. Cheshire FM will also work with local businesses to encourage them to use the community radio station to publicise and practice their corporate social responsibility. Specifically: • Environmental efforts • Philanthropy • Ethical labour practices • Volunteering
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Access and participation:
6. Participation in the service Guidance Notes How do you propose to ensure that members of your Legislation specifies a number of ‘characteristics of target community (or communities) are given community radio services’. Licence holders need to ensure opportunities to participate in the operation and their services conform to these characteristics, including in management of the service? this case providing opportunities to participate in the Answer in fewer than 400 words: operation and management of the service. Ofcom requires information as to how this would be achieved. What will be the involvement of members of the target community in the radio station? How many volunteers do you anticipate will be involved in your service per year?
Cheshire FM considers the recruitment and development of volunteers to be crucial to the sustainability and viability of the station. Substantial volunteer and community input is central to the station’s ethos. A strategy has been devised and will be developed to expand volunteer and community group membership on award of licence. What will be the involvement of members of the target community in the radio station? Cheshire FM will establish an ‘Advisory Panel’ which will meet quarterly. This will provide guidance and feedback on programming, to ensure comprehensive coverage and inclusion of all relevant interests, and to maintain top quality programming output. How many volunteers do you anticipate will be involved in your service per year? Cheshire FM envisages that a core of 15-25 volunteers will be required to assist with the running of the station. All volunteers will be asked to sign the Volunteer Charter, an agreement setting out expectations and obligations of both parties. Everyone involved with Cheshire FM, whether paid or voluntary, will have an input on decisions relating to the daily operation, management and development of the station. All will be encouraged to participate in any working groups or sub-committees that may be established to deal with specific issues from time to time. There will be regular, scheduled meetings between Staff, Volunteers and Management to ensure a positive working environment is maintained, to foster good communications, and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard in the decision-making process.
7. Access to facilities and training Guidance Notes Set out the practical (formal and informal) mechanisms Ofcom is required by the legislation to have regard to the which you will use to ensure that members of your target provision each applicant proposes to make to allow for community can gain access to your facilities that would be access by members of the target community to the facilities used for the provision of your service and to receive to be used for the provision of the service and for their training in their use. training in the use of those facilities. Answer in fewer than 400 words:
Cheshire FM is committed to ensuring that the community has access to the station’s facilities to allow the widest participation in the broadcasting service. Cheshire FM ’s aspiration is to provide a studio that will facilitate access to the greatest number of people and allow the facility to be used for training and production when pre-recorded programmes are being broadcast. Members of the community will be encouraged to participate in broadcast training workshops. The station will encourage applications from volunteers - those interested in participating in the programming as well as administration sides of the organisation. Cheshire FM will ensure that all volunteers read, acknowledge and accept the Volunteer’s Charter, which will be part of the induction process. All new on-air volunteers are required to thoroughly familiarise themselves with the station’s codes of conduct before being allowed on-air. The Station Manager will undertake random air-checks and conduct regular performance review meetings with all presenters to ensure compliance. Cheshire FM will endeavour to provide access to the facilities for the widest possible engagement by the community and that any, in so far as possible, such premises are compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.
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Ensuring accountability:
8. Accountability Guidance Notes Please set out your proposed community accountability Broadcasting legislation specifies a number of mechanisms. These should cover matters such as: ‘characteristics of community radio services’. Licence How will members of your target community: holders need to ensure their services conform to these characteristics. One is that, in respect of the provision of • make contact with your service, and the service, the provider makes itself accountable to the • influence the operation of the service? community (or communities) the service is intended to How will suggestions or criticisms from members of your serve. target community (or communities) be considered and Ofcom is required to have regard to the provision each acted upon? applicant proposes to make in order to ensure its Answer in fewer than 500 words: accountability to the relevant community (or communities).
Cheshire FM will ensure that its operations are accessible and accountable to the community both through membership/subscription and through regular community meetings. By their very nature, volunteer broadcasters are also representative of the community and through their involvement and programme contributions make the station directly accountability to that community. From section 6.7, Cheshire FM is committed to the widest possible engagement with the community – on-air, off- air and through outreach activities. In addition, Cheshire FM will publish its annual goals on its website and review these in a dedicated programme at year-end. This will allow members of the wider community to discuss and debate the station’s performance against these goals and ensure Cheshire FM is fully accountable to the community it serves.
Guidance notes: station’s draft key commitments Please draft the Key Commitments for your proposed service. There is a blank key commitments template overleaf. If your organisation is awarded a licence, the key commitments you draft here will be included in your licence. (Please note: Ofcom may require amendments if, for example, we feel changes are required to better reflect your application proposals). Your draft Key Commitments should be consistent with, and, where appropriate, summarise the answers you have already given in this application form. It is important that you draft your own commitments rather than just copying what may have been done by others. You should keep in mind that it will be a condition of any licence to meet the Key Commitments: something you must do at all times and for breach of which you could face sanctions including revocation of the licence. So, you should think carefully about what you will be committing to. We would expect key commitments to be brief and no more than one page long.
KEY COMMITMENTS: to be completed by the applicant [Guidance is given in italics.]
Station name: Cheshire FM [As in section 1 of this application] Licence area: The mid Cheshire towns of Northwich, Winsford and [State the proposed coverage area as set out in section 3 of Middlewich this form.] Description of character of service [Describe in no more than 80 words in total]: the target community/communities [describe the community or communities you will serve; this should be a summary of your answer in section 2 of this form]: - the main purpose of the service - the station’s primary functions or activities.
Cheshire FM will serve a community that not only shares a common geography but also many of the challenges of living in a rural part of Cheshire. The station will bring a focus to the social isolation faced by the many local people underscored by poor access to transport, health services and a voice for community expression.
The service broadcasts: [these bullet points should be a summary of the answers you have given in section 4 of this form]:
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• Music. The main types of music2 broadcast over the course of each week are: [insert types of music in a maximum of 30 words] A broad mix of mainstream popular music from the last 6 decades during daytime, centred on the 1980s and 90s. Specialist shows will include Rock, Indie, Northern Soul and Country.
• Speech. The main types of speech output3 broadcast over the course of each week are: [describe the speech output in a maximum of 30 words] Key elements will include community information, interviews and advice plus what’s on, traffic news, sports reports, occasional outside broadcasts, competitions and phone-ins.
• Over the course of each week programming is broadcast in [list all language(s) other than English, if relevant]
English
• The service provides original output4 for a minimum of [insert number] hours per day. [What are the minimum hours per day that the service will broadcast original output?] 18
• The service provides locally-produced output5 for a minimum of [insert number] hours per day. [What are the minimum hours per day that the service will broadcast locally-produced output?] 18
[The text below is included in the Key Commitments in all community radio licences, and does not need to be amended or augmented. Every service is required to comply with these requirements, but the details of how each service does so do not need to be included in the Key Commitments]
The studio is located within the licensed coverage area. The service provides a range of community benefits (social gain objectives mandated by statute) for the target community, both on-air and off-air, and in doing so, achieves the following objectives: • the facilitation of discussion and the expression of opinion,
• the provision (whether by means of programmes included in the service or otherwise) of education or training to individuals not employed by the person providing the service, and
• the better understanding of the community and the strengthening of links within it.
Members of the target community contribute to the operation and management of the service.
The service has mechanisms in place to ensure it is accountable to its target community.
[Please note: If awarded a licence, the key commitments you draft here will be included in your licence. (However, Ofcom may require amendments if, for example, we feel changes are required to better reflect your application proposals).]
About your organisation:
9. Company details Guidance Notes The legislation requires that: • Community radio services should not be provided primarily for commercial reasons or for the financial or other material gain of the body providing the service or the individuals involved in it
2 e.g. mainstream pop, urban etc. 3 e.g. local news, what’s on etc. 4 Original output is output that is first produced for and transmitted by the service, and excludes output that was transmitted elsewhere before. Original output can be live or voice-tracked. Repeat broadcasts of original output do not count towards the minimum requirement. 5 Locally-produced output is output made and broadcast from within the service’s licensed coverage area. 11 Cheshire FM application
• Any profits produced may only be used to either improve the future provision of the service or for the delivery of social gain to members of the public or the target community Provide the name of the body corporate (e.g. company) Only a body corporate can hold a community radio licence. submitting this application and the type of body corporate. A body corporate is almost always a (registered) company, Please provide copies of the company’s Memorandum, although it can also include, for example, some bodies Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation (or, created by statute (an individual or a registered charity on where it is another type of body corporate, its founding its own is not a body corporate). documents and those which set out its objectives and rules Your application must therefore be submitted on behalf of of operation) a registered company (or other body corporate). There are different types of company (e.g. a company limited by shares, a community interest company, a company limited by guarantee) and we need to know what kind of company is applying for a licence. We will not consider a licence award to a company if it has not yet been registered. If the application is successful the licence will be awarded to the body corporate (e.g. company) submitting this application.
Company (or other body corporate) name: Cheshire Radio Limited
Date of registration: 16 November 2018
Company registration number: 11681350
Type of company (or other body corporate): Social Enterprise - Company Limited by Guarantee
Where your body is not a company, please explain how it N/A meets the requirement to be a body corporate:
10. Ownership Guidance Notes Please provide details of who controls and who owns the Ofcom needs to know about the ownership of the company body corporate (e.g. company) applying for this licence, (or other body corporate) applying for this licence, and any and on what basis this control and ownership is achieved. issues regarding its control. We will also consider how the (If this will be different once the station starts broadcasting company (or body corporate) will be run (this will usually be please say so (a licence is not issued until broadcasting specified in the Articles of Association of the company). starts.) In relation to exerting control over the applicant, the The information provided must include: information provided should include the name and address • all the subscribers, members, shareholders, or of any individuals or corporate bodies in accordance with whatever is appropriate for the applicant company (or whose wishes the applicant’s affairs are or will be conducted in most cases or in significant respects. body corporate), and state the extent of their interest (e.g. % shareholding) (if the company will be controlled by members, but the members are not yet recruited, please say so). (You will also be asked about the board of directors in 11 & 12 below.) • details of any individual, company or other body that may exert control over the applicant.
As a community enterprise, Cheshire Radio Limited (Cheshire FM) is constituted as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. Therefore, the ownership of Cheshire FM rests with the membership - the subscribers to the articles of association. The control of the company resides with the directors who are elected from amongst the membership. All trainees and volunteers are eligible to become members of Cheshire FM. Membership will be offered on award of licence. On joining, members will be required to pay the annual membership fee, agree to the station’s aims and objectives and comply with policies and practices. Members will also be entitled to vote at the AGM. At present, there are two directors; David Duffy and John Evington. After the award of the broadcasting licence the existing directors will convene a meeting of the membership to vote-in a full board of directors, in keeping with the Articles of Association.
12 Cheshire FM application
Ability to maintain the service:
11. Management and operations Guidance Notes With regard to the applicant please provide: In addition to the notes above on ownership, Ofcom is also • A list of directors, indicating who is the managing director required to evaluate the human resources involved in the and/or chair (please see question 12 regarding directors’ running of a community radio station. Answers should details). demonstrate how those who have relevant experience will work for the station. In addition, a diagram or organisation • An indication of management structure (e.g. chart may help paint a clearer picture. management committee or equivalent, if applicable), and/or • Information about who would be responsible for the day to day management and running of the station (there is a separate question regarding other staff below). Explain the role(s) in the station, job titles, and indicate whether paid or voluntary, full or part-time (and the number of hours).
Directors The founding directors of Cheshire FM are: • John Evington • David Duffy Day-to-day Management • Station Manager: Part time, paid (37.5 hours per week). The Station Manager reports to the board and is responsible for the day-today running of the station. The individual will have responsibility for: programme scheduling, management of volunteers, quality control, presenter training, technical oversight, production of sponsorship and advertising content, liaison with partner bodies, editorial control, social media, website management. • Operations Manager: Part time, paid (15 hours per week). The Operations Manager is responsible for all human resources as well as financial and operational aspects of the day-to-day functioning of the station - to ensure that the station remains engaging, sustainable, diverse and accessible.
• Content Manager: Part time, paid (15 hours per week). The Content Manager is responsible for defining the format, overseeing its delivery, ensuing compliance and refining output over time. Other members of the volunteer team with specific responsibilities include: • Studio Engineer: (name withheld) Voluntary/unpaid • Social Media & Website: (name withheld) Voluntary/unpaid • Fundraising: (Angela Capstick) Voluntary/unpaid
12. Management and operations Guidance Notes Please provide information regarding each director as set Ofcom needs to know about the proposed directors and out below (some or all of which may be regarded as chair of the applicant. Some or all of the information given confidential). in this section will usually be removed from the publicly In addition if any individuals have been identified for available copy of this application form. (All community management roles at the proposed station, please give radio applications forms will be made available on our further information in this section. website.) If you request that any information be removed,
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Answer (for each director): please indicate which (and why by email to [email protected]).
Director: David Duffy
Employment: Director
Other directorships:
• Former Founder/Chief Executive of Cheshire FM Ltd (the original community radio licensee CR103).
• Co-founder and non-executive director of Wire FM (AL100806BA/1), Warrington.
• Former Managing Director Dune FM (AL203-1), Southport.
• Former Managing Director Central Radio (AL323-1), Preston.
• Current Director Niocom Associates Ltd – providing consultancy to community & commercial radio
• Current Director Niocast Digital Ltd – operating the small-scale DAB multiplex ‘Trial Manchester’
• Current Director Viamux Ltd –small scale DAB solutions provider
Relevant experience/qualifications:
David Duffy started out in broadcasting with Essex Radio in 1981 as a volunteer presenter and producer. Such opportunities now only exist in community radio and David relishes this opportunity to let others have the same chance to engage with radio that he was given back then. David was one of the founders of WFMR in Warrington (RSL no.7) which became Wire FM and subsequently won the local radio licence. On moving to Middlewich, David founded Cheshire FM which went on to secure the community radio licence for mid Cheshire. David handed over responsibility for the station in 2009 to pursue other broadcasting interests.
David was part of a consortium which acquire TLRC’s failing local radio station in Southport, Lancashire - Dune FM. The station was rescued by the consortium and sold to a local group in late 2010. The consortium had also acquired Preston’s Central Radio in 2010 which was subsequently bought by UKRD in early 2011.
Most recently David has been working closely with commercial and community radio stations – providing consultancy on business planning and licensing applications. In 2015 his company, Niocom Associates, applied for and was awarded one of the ten trial licences (Manchester) to operate small scale DAB. In 2017 he co-founded a new company, Viamux, to provide small scale DAB solutions and its first customer was the Irish State Broadcaster, RTÉ. Viamux continues to provide support services to RTÉ’s two Dublin multiplexes and operates a small-scale DAB multiplex trial in Cork under licence from ComReg.
Director: John Evington
Employment: Director
Other directorships:
• Former Director of North Staffordshire and South Cheshire Broadcasting Limited
• Former Director of Imagine FM Limited
• Former Director of the Ace Academy of Dance (Cheshire)
• Former Director of Radio Skipton CIC
• Current Director Niocom Associates Ltd – providing consultancy to community & commercial radio
• Current Director Niocast Digital Ltd – operating the small-scale DAB multiplex ‘Trial Manchester’
• Current Director Viamux Ltd –small scale DAB solutions provider Relevant experience or qualifications:
Born and raised in Cheshire, John’s career began as a presenter at Manchester’s first commercial station, Piccadilly Radio. From there he moved to the new station in Leicester before joining Signal Radio as launch presenter and Head of Music. After a stint as weekend Breakfast host for BBC Radio 2 John returned to Signal, where he became Programme Director, leading his team to deliver unrivalled audience figures. John developed new community-focused concepts such as ‘Signal Action’, the ‘Signal Walkathon’ and ‘Signal Comes to Town’. He also devised the UK’s first adult alternative format, ‘ECHO 96’ and re-launched the
14 Cheshire FM application core station as ‘Signal 1’ and ‘Signal 2’. Ultimately, John was promoted to Group Director of Programmes for Signal’s parent company, Wireless Group, remaining in that role for four years.
In 2006 John was head-hunted by CanWest Media to launch the south coast’s regional adult alternative station, Original 106. He later ran Revolution Radio in Oldham before teaming up with David Duffy to form The Radio People consultancy. Most recently John has been providing professional services to commercial and community radio organisations. He continues to work closely with David Duffy in running their joint companies.
In addition to the directors, we have identified an individual who we believe is suitable for the role of station manager and who has the requisite experience of community/small scale commercial radio.
13. Staffing structure Guidance Notes What is the staffing structure of your proposed radio service? Provide The legislation requires that Ofcom has regard to the applicant’s a job title for each position and indicate whether the individual will be ability to maintain the proposed service (as well as to ensure the paid or will work in a voluntary capacity, will be full or part-time applicant is fit and proper to hold the licence). As well as its ownership, (indicate the number of hours for part-time posts). This may be management and operations, the proposed staffing of the station is provided as a diagram or organisation chart. relevant to these considerations. Answer in fewer than 400 words, plus organisation chart (optional): Day-to-day, the station will be run by a full-time Station Manager who will be responsible for all aspects of the business, reporting to the Board. It is envisaged that this individual will also present a daily show during one of the main dayparts. The Board will consult with the Advisory Panel on a regular basis which will help shape the business plan and inform station policy. Other key roles include a part time Administrative/Sales Manager and part time Community Co-ordinator who will plan all station activity at local events.
Cheshire FM Staffing Chart
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14. Applicant’s experience Guidance Notes Please describe the history of your group, and any relevant Ofcom is required to consider whether an applicant has the experience of the group, or the individuals within the ability to run a community radio station for the licence group, by answering the questions below. period (up to five years). To aid our consideration we want to know about any relevant experience the applicant group as a whole, or the individuals involved, may have.
A. Please provide a brief history of your group. Answer in fewer than 300 words:
David Duffy was one of Community Radio’s pioneers. He founded the original Cheshire FM consortium with Phil Houltby in the summer of 2004. It successfully applied for and was awarded licence CR103 by Ofcom in May 2006. The group raised over £70k in prelaunch funding and launched the station on the 30th March 2007. The original Cheshire FM was hugely successful in its early years. The station attracted over 40 volunteers and became valued for delivering a wide range of social gain activities - which are detailed in the separate appendix document. It was also recognised by Cheshire County Council with the 2007 Business Start-up Award. David handed over responsibility for the station in 2009 to pursue broadcasting interests elsewhere in the country. Regrettably, the station failed to renew its licence in 2012. Still living in mid Cheshire, David is repeatedly asked by people about what had happened to Cheshire FM and why nothing had replaced it. People said they would be keen to be part of the station should it ever be brought back. So, last year, with the encouragement and support of local people, David and John established Cheshire Radio Ltd as a social enterprise. They submitted an expression of interest to Ofcom for a community radio licence for ‘Northwich, Middlewich and Winsford (central Cheshire)’. The passion that drives the group is:
• to bring back a Cheshire FM where members of the local community can once again participate in creating a local radio service that meets their needs • to provide a Cheshire FM where local peoples’ voices are heard and real issues are discussed and debated • to reinstate a Cheshire FM that promotes local voluntary, not-for-profit, community and charitable groups
B. Please summarise the group’s broadcasting experience (e.g. internet radio, Restricted Service Licences (RSLs)). Answer in fewer than 150 words:
The group and its members have extensive management experience of operating Ofcom-licenced community and commercial radio stations. Collectively, they have run multiple RSLs in Warrington and Cheshire (Cheshire FM ran an RSL in 2006 prior to the award of licence CR103). Group members have also been instrumental in developing specialised online radio stations for organisations such as Liverpool’s Albert Dock Radio, community groups and overseas stations. The group is currently running Cheshire FM as an internet radio station - which is available at www.cheshirefm.com and online via TuneIn and smartspeaker. The group also use soundcloud (embedded on the website) to store features which listeners may have missed or can listen to again. The stream has been invaluable in: • encouraging people to take part in our online survey; • promoting local organisations;
• obtaining feedback on the music that is being played; and • publicising the project
C. Please summarise the relevant experience of the group or its members, in relevant non-broadcast areas (such as third sector, local business, fund-raising, training or education). Answer in fewer than 150 words: The group Chair, David Duffy, has substantial business management experience gained from over 20 years in the technology sector. He runs a number of Cheshire-based businesses.
16 Cheshire FM application
The group acknowledges the value that comes from bringing in expertise from outside the traditional broadcasting sector. For this reason, the Cheshire FM Advisory panel will be drawn from across the community. It will bring people from roles outside of radio into the social enterprise where they can share their knowledge and expertise. Of particular focus are fund-raising and training – particularly from a third sector perspective. We know this will bring best-practice into the organisation in two areas that have been rewarding for community radio over the years. The Advisory panel is currently welcoming expressions of interest from people wanting to participate.
D. Please summarise the radio broadcasting experience of key individuals in the applicant group (only if not already described above). Answer in fewer than 150 words: The broadcasting experience of the key individuals in the applicant group is detailed in section 12
Evidence of demand:
15. Demand and/or support Guidance Notes
Please provide a summary of evidence of demand and/or support for When considering community radio licence applications, Ofcom is your proposed service. required to take into account the extent of local demand for, or support for, the provision of the proposed service. This may include a variety of information, for example: • summary of support from statutory or voluntary sector It is for applicants to decide what evidence of demand or support they organisations which expect to contribute practically and/or wish to submit. However, Ofcom does not believe that generic support financially to your operations, or which would expect to for the establishment of a new radio service is as meaningful as collaborate with you in joint activities; evidence of considered support for a specific applicant’s proposals. This means that Ofcom does not attach great value to numerous • evidence of interest generated through radio activity (e.g. RSLs, examples of similar generic or form letters of support by your group, or internet radio), community activity, training, voluntary sector to petitions. work etc.; Copies of letters or research reports etc. should not be submitted. • results of research; However, your response here may include brief relevant extracts from such material and must represent an accurate and comprehensive • summary of support from local politicians, councils, educational summary of any such supporting evidence. If we wish to see the source or religious bodies etc.; material, we will ask for it. • summary of support from local business or other sectors;
• evidence of support from your proposed target community. Answer in fewer than 1,000 words: Legacy The decision to apply for a licence has been underpinned by the incontrovertable success of the original community station that broadcast to mid Cheshire between 2007 and 2012. The track record of that station speaks for itself and, following the forced closure, there was an outcry from listeners and the many businesses, groups and organisations that had come to rely upon it. Examples of the level of community engagement and public support are attached to this application in Appendix A. Social Media Cheshire FM has been active on Twitter and Facebook since declaring an interest in applying for a licence. The response has been extremely encouraging and clearly supports the assertion that demand exists for a station serving the specific needs of people in the area. Since January 2019 the Cheshire FM Twitter account has attracted almost 1,600 followers. In the 28 days up to 11th March, 268 Tweets achieved total impressions of 104,000. Online Survey An online survey was carried out during January-March 2019 to gather data about the perceived need for a dedicated radio station for mid Cheshire and to help inform proposals for station output. The survey was propogated via the applicant’s website and social media channels. Sample From a sample of 116 people the age profile is as follows:
17 Cheshire FM application
Awareness of / Listenership to ‘original’ Cheshire FM
• 52 per cent of respondents said that they remembered the original Cheshire FM which broadcast between 2007 and 2012. Of those, 88 per cent said they listened to the station ‘regularly’ (24%) or ‘occasionally’ (64%). It is evident that the original station had built up a significant following and, seven years after its closure, a great deal of goodwill remains. The new station intends to revive and develop the original philosophy which clearly won the hearts and minds of people in mid Cheshire. Support for a New Station • Of those responding, 97 per cent supported the idea that mid Cheshire should have its own dedicated radio station: Music Preferences The station’s unique appeal will be achieved through the speech elements of output and via listener engagement, community support and attendence at local events. However, music will form a vital backdrop to these elements and it was considered important to establish the broad tastes of target listeners. • The most popular era for ‘popular hits’ was the 1980s which was ‘Loved’ (39%) or ‘Liked’ (42%) by 81 per cent of the sample. • The 1990s also proved popular with 72% approval – (‘Loved’ 38%, ‘Liked’ 34%).
• The least popular eras were current at 49%, the 2000s, 55%, and the 1960s with 57%. These results will be referred to in setting the scheduling parameters for the station to create an appealing musical feel centred on the 1980s and 90s with a ‘sprinkling’ of contemporary and classic hits. In keeping with its pledge to provide content for unserved groups in mid Cheshire the station is proposing to broadcast specialist music programmes, subject to there being sufficient demand. Accordingly, the survey asked about attitudes to a selection of minority genres. • ‘Rock’ music came out top with 72 percent of respondents saying that they ‘love’ (36%) or ‘like’ (36%) it.
• ‘Northern Soul’, ‘Dance’, ‘Indie’ and ‘Country’ also came out well but ‘Jazz’Swing’ was disliked by 41 per cent of the sample: (‘Don’t Like’ 26%, ‘Hate It’ 15%) Speech Preferences Opinions were sought on a range of different types of content. • 96 per cent said that ‘News about what’s going on around the area’ was ‘very’(76%) or ‘quite’ (20%) important.
• ‘News about local people’ scored well with 90 per cent considering it ‘very’ (41%) or ‘quite’ (49%) important. • ‘News about local business’ (86%) and ‘Interviews with interesting local people’ (82%) also achieved high approval rates. • ‘Outside Broadcasts’ and ‘Phone Ins’ were considered slightly less important. Additional Benefits of the Station Five possible attributes were given as options to help establish how the station might bring additional benefit to the mid Cheshire towns. • ‘Providing a platform for local voluntary groups to promote their activities came out top with 85 per cent of respondents stating that this is something they would expect.
• 67 per cent felt that the station should fulfil a role in ‘Showcasing the mid Cheshire towns to the World’.
18 Cheshire FM application
• 60 per cent agreed that it was important for the station to support ‘Disadvantaged, marginalised and underserved groups’. Other Expectations of the Station? Finally, an open question was asked: ‘Is there anything else you would expect a new Community radio station to provide for mid Cheshire and its people?’ Recurring suggestions included: • ‘Up to date, accurate local traffic information and news of forthcoming road closures’
• ‘What’s On information’ • ‘Bringing a sense of community to the region’ • ‘Supporting local musicians’
• ‘News of local discounts and offers’ • ‘Updates on local building projects, e.g. HS2’ Support from key local Individuals and Organisations Many people and groups in mid Cheshire have offered their support to this application. Quotations extracted from their letters of support are included throughout this document. All correspondence is available on request.
Ability to maintain the service – financial information:
16. Pre-launch financial information
In assessing an applicant’s ability to maintain the service we need to know what funds and assets it holds, how much it intends to spend getting the station on-air (pre-launch expenditure), and predicted funding for the pre-launch period. Please note ‘in-kind’ income is dealt with in 18 below.
Please note the categories listed below are examples for guidance only and may not be relevant to all applications (and others may be relevant to your application and in which case they must be listed) Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
17. Year 1 financial information - income Please provide information on the predicted income for your first year of broadcasting. N.B. there is a legislative restriction on income from on-air advertising and sponsorship/commercial references (in summary, each station is allowed a ‘fixed revenue allowance’ of £15,000 per year from paid-for advertising and sponsorship; some stations may also be allowed up to 50% of their total relevant information per year (i.e. disregarding the fixed revenue allowance). See the ‘Invitation of applications for community radio licences’ for your region for further information). Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
18. Financial information – in-kind support Please provide totals that reflect the in-kind support you expect to receive for the pre-launch period, and for year one. You may count some volunteer input as in-kind support – please see our guidance on this http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/broadcast/radio-ops/volunteerinput.pdf Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
19. Year 1 financial information – outgoings Please summarise year 1 outgoings – your expected operational expenditure to cover the first 12 months after the service has commenced broadcasting. (Add rows if necessary). Please note the categories listed below are examples for guidance only and may not be relevant to all applications. Please add further items if required. 19 Cheshire FM application
Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
20. Year 1 financial information – commercial activities on air The legislation for Community Radio places limits on the amount of income annually from the sale of on-air advertising and sponsorship that can be generated. Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
21. Pre-launch financial information - contingency
If there’s a shortfall between pre-launch predicted income & outgoings, please explain below how you would expect to cover outstanding costs Answer in fewer than 150 words and/or submit a summary table: Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
22. Year 1 financial information - contingency
If there is a shortfall between Year 1 income and Year 1 outgoings, please explain below how you would expect to cover any outstanding costs (see also 23 and 24 below). Alternatively, if there is a surplus at the end of Year 1, please explain what you intend to do with such additional resources. Answer in fewer than 150 words and/or submit a summary table: Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
23. Financial information – loans and other borrowings
If any of your proposed funding (either set-up or operational) is in the form of loans e.g. from directors, individuals or organisations, please provide details as to who the loan is from and the terms of such lending, expected repayment terms, interest rate charged and other associated costs. Answer in fewer than 150 words and/or submit a summary table: Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
24. Financial information – alternative funding streams
If there is a shortfall between income and outgoings, what arrangements have you explored and are in place to provide further financial and/or ‘in-kind’ support for your proposed service? If you have any proposals for expanding and/or changing the funding model of your proposed service after the first year of operation, please provide details below: Answer in fewer than 150 words and/or submit a summary table: Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
Broadcasting engineering:
Engineering notes We require preliminary radio frequency (r.f.) engineering information and applicants are advised that this section is not intended to be exhaustive. We are asking for the basic engineering parameters necessary to determine the extent of frequency availability in an applicant’s chosen area (after taking account of the requirements of neighbouring broadcasters); and to determine whether the proposed service area can be adequately served from this site. As a result, applicants should note the importance of identifying a transmission site that is suitable for the area they wish to serve. While Ofcom would not wish applicants to go to unnecessary expense (we do not guarantee the availability of a suitable frequency and/or our ability to allocate it for broadcasting from the chosen transmission site), we do require precise details about the transmission site chosen. The questions following relate to this. Applicants should provide evidence of negotiations or agreement with the site owner (e.g. whether a provisional agreement is in place). Any licence award will be based on the coverage area from the site identified in the application. If a licence is offered, Ofcom may not be able to agree to a change from the site put forward in this application (and any request for a change will need to be justified). Applicants should read and be aware of the relevant part of the Ofcom Site Engineering Code which may be found at: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/broadcasting/guidance/tech-guidance/eng_code/
20 Cheshire FM application
25. Engineering information Waveband: This application is for an FM licence Yes Do you understand the requirements for FM (VHF) and have you incorporated these below and in, for example, Yes your start-up and other costs, detailed earlier? Transmission site What is the postal address and post code: St. Wilfrid’s Parish Church, address: Church Street, Davenham, Northwich CW9 8NF
The NGR is a reference code comprising two letters and two groups of three numbers (e.g. SW 123 456). It is SJ 6631 7124 available from Ordnance Survey. What is the height of the site, in metres, Above Ordnance 40m AOD Datum (AOD)? National Grid In metres, what is the total height of the mast / building 31m AGL Reference (NGR): Above Ground level (AGL)? About the site’s What is the height, in metres, of the transmitting antenna 32m AGL dimensions: AGL?
Please supply photographs of the transmitter mast / Tick if enclosed building and aerial location. Is this site already used for broadcasting and if so by No whom? About the Delete as appropriate the yes/no answers which describe transmission site: your situation regarding proposed site (it may be that you cannot answer all four questions): Site identified? Yes Transmission site Provisional agreement with site owner in place? Yes availability: Or under negotiation? N/A Applicant group owns site? N/A Other – please specify. N/A Applicant group owns site? N/A (Note: we cannot consider an application if no site has been identified.)
How to contact you:
26. Public contact details Guidance Notes Provide the name of the person who will deal with Ofcom will publish community radio licence applications, and enquiries from the press and public and the contact from time to time statements which may include public contact details for them. details, on its website. A point of contact is required to deal with press and other enquiries from interested parties. Name: David Duffy Email: [email protected] Website: www.cheshirefm.com PLEASE ENSURE YOU ADVISE OFCOM OF ANY CHANGES TO YOUR CONTACT DETAILS
21 Cheshire FM application
27. Contact details for Ofcom Guidance Notes Provide the name of the person who will be Ofcom’s Ofcom will need to contact your group in relation to this primary contact and their contact details: application. PLEASE ENSURE YOU ADVISE OFCOM OF ANY CHANGES TO YOUR CONTACT DETAILS
Concluding declaration:
28. Declaration APPLICANT’S, DIRECTORS’ AND OWNERS’ OTHER INTERESTS 1. In relation to the applicant and any body’s and/or individuals whose details are given in sections 11, 12 and 13 of this application, please state whether the applicant, anybody or individual is (and if so identify that body or individual) involved in any of the activities set out in the table below, and the extent of the involvement or interest. For these purposes, the applicant includes associates of the applicant (i.e. directors and their associates and other group companies): (Note: if none of the following categories in this section apply, this must be clearly indicated by writing “none” in any appropriate box.) Activity/involvement By the applicant and/or By a director a shareholder or (section 12 of this application member form) (section 11 of this application form) a) Local authorities No No b) Bodies whose objects are wholly or mainly of a political No No nature, or which are affiliated to such a body c) Bodies whose objects are wholly or mainly of a religious No No nature d) An individual who is an officer of a body falling within No No (c) above e) A body corporate which is an associate (as defined in No No paragraphs 1(1) and 1(1a) of Part I of Schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Act 1990) or a body falling within (b) or (c) above) f) An advertising agency or an associate of an advertising No No agency g) Other broadcasting interests (including radio, television, No No satellite and cable broadcasting and allied activities). Other interests 2. Give details of any other interest or activity of the applicant which is or could be incompatible with the requirements imposed by or under Schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Act 1990 (as modified by the Community Radio Order 2004) and Articles 6 and 7 of the Community Radio Order 2004. Please also give details of any other participant in the applicant whose interest is or could be incompatible with those requirements. (You may need to seek advice about these matters)
None Other matters 3. In pursuance of its duties under Section 86(4) of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (as amended), Ofcom requires that the applicant should notify Ofcom of any matters which might influence Ofcom’s judgement as to whether: a. the applicant; b. any director of the applicant; c. any individual, or any director of a company, who will have an interest of 5 per cent or more in the applicant; may not be considered a 'fit and proper person' to participate in a radio licence. Such matters would include, for example, the following (whether they occurred in the UK or any other country): any unspent criminal conviction, any undischarged insolvency and/or bankruptcy orders, any disqualification from being a director of a limited company, and any adverse findings made by Ofcom (or its predecessor broadcast regulators), any other regulatory authority and/or any court or tribunal in respect of any regulatory matters.
None 22 Cheshire FM application
Do you confirm, to the best of your knowledge and belief, that: 4. The applicant is not a disqualified person in relation to the licence by virtue of the provisions of section 143 (5) of the Broadcasting Act 1996 (relating to political objects); 5. The applicant is not otherwise a disqualified person in relation to the licence by virtue of Part II of Schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Act 1990 or any other rule prohibiting its holding the licence; 6. No director, member or other person involved directly or indirectly in the management of the applicant group is the subject of a disqualification order as defined by section 145 (1) of the Broadcasting Act 1996; 7. No person (body corporate or individual) involved in the application has been convicted within the past five years of an unauthorised broadcasting offence and that the applicant will do all it can to ensure that no person (body corporate or individual) so convicted will be concerned in the provision of the service, the making of programmes included in it, or the operation of the radio station if the applicant is granted a licence; and 8. Any matters which might influence Ofcom's judgement as to whether the directors or members of the applicant group are fit and proper persons to participate in a radio licence have been made to Ofcom. Applicants should note that Ofcom reserves the right to revoke a licence if at any time any material statement made is found to be false and to have been made by the applicant or any member or officer thereof knowing it to be false, and that in the circumstances of section 144 of the Broadcasting Act 1996, the provision of false information or the withholding of relevant information with the intention of misleading Ofcom could incur a criminal conviction and a disqualification from the holding of a licence. Please tick this box to confirm that the applicant agrees with the above statements. Please tick the boxes below to indicate which additional documentation is included as part of this application. We are not willing to accept additional information with this application, other than that set out below: Memorandum & Articles of Association Certificate of Incorporation Application Payment (UK £ 600.00) non-returnable Photographs of the transmitter mast / building and aerial location.
I hereby apply to Ofcom for the grant of a community radio licence and declare that the information given in this application and any additional documentation is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, correct. David Duffy (Name of person) Chair (Title or position in the applicant group) 20th March 2019 (Date)
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