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.
Revolution Radio
2. Community to be served Guidance notes Define the community or communities you are It is a legislative requirement that a service is intended proposing to serve. Drawing from various sources of data primarily to serve one or more communities (whether or not (e.g. from the Office of Population, Census and Survey) it also serves other members of the public) and we need to and in relation to your proposed coverage area, please understand who comprises that community or communities. determine the size of the population concerned and the The target community will also be specified in the licence, if make-up of the population as a whole, along with any this application is successful. relevant socio-economic information that would support The legislation defines a ‘community’ as: people who live or your application. work or undergo education or training in a particular area or locality, or people who have one or more interests or (Please tell us the sources of the information you characteristics in common. provide.) Answer in fewer than 300 words:
Revolution Radio will primarily serve the diverse ethnic communities of the Borough of Northampton but will have an accessible style designed to also appeal to a wider mainstream audience in order to build bridges with marginalised communities. The population of the Borough of Northampton has increased rapidly from 100,000 in 1968 to 211,000 in 2011 (ONS) and 225,146 in 2018 according to Centre for Cities who estimate that it is increasing at a rate of 11.3% making it one of Britain’s ten fastest growing towns. Within this population is a diverse multi-ethnic community of almost 50,000 who do not identify as ‘white British’, including 16,986 non-British white, 10,763 Black British, 13,846 Asian and 6,909 mixed ethnic individuals. (ONS 2011)
Ethnic Group Value Percent All usual residents 215,963 100.0 White 182,958 84.7 White (British) 165,972 76.9 White (Irish) 2,942 1.4 Gypsy or Irish Traveller 149 0.1 Other White 13,895 6.4 Non-British 49,991 23.1 Mixed/multiple ethnic groups 6,909 3.2 White and Black Caribbean 3,159 1.5 White and Black African 1,020 0.5 White and Asian 1,304 0.6 Other Mixed 1,426 0.7 Asian/Asian British 13,846 6.4 Indian 5,407 2.5 Pakistani 1,544 0.7 Bangladeshi 3,367 1.6 Chinese 1,697 0.8 Other Asian 1,831 0.8
Black British 10,763 5.0 African 6,484 3.0 Caribbean 2,951 1.4 Other Black 1,328 0.6 Other ethnic group 1,487 0.7 Arab 541 0.3 Any other ethnic group 946 0.4 Source: ONS 2011 Census data
Northampton had the UK’s fifth highest number of business startups in 2018 (Centre For Cities) and has seen significant regeneration with a Business Improvement District levy, new bus and railway stations alongside the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone, new Cultural and Shoe Quarters. Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic Economic Plan aims to build 80,000 homes and create 70,000 new jobs by 2031, with the local economy worth £20bn in 2021.
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/0020/10 1459/community-radio-future-licensing-technical-policy- statement.pdf
We propose to serve the Borough of Northampton which comprises the postcode areas of NN1, NN2, NN3, NN4 and NN5 with the surrounding areas of NN6 and NN7. This area is shown on the map below:
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 stations) to Later in this form you will be asked to draft your own ‘key members of the relevant community or communities; commitments’. This will form the basis of your licence and is what Ofcom will judge you against. It should include a (iii) broaden the overall range of such non-BBC local services summary of your proposed programme output as set out 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 Ofcom is required to consider the extent to which an distinct nature and content as set out in the Guidance applicant’s proposals will cater for the tastes and interests Notes in the column opposite. 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: Revolution Radio will deliver a varied range of programmes designed to reflect the life, aspirations and community spirit of Northampton, aimed at diverse local communities but presented in an accessible and mainstream format with crossover appeal for the wider community. It will have a bright, rhythmic and uplifting sound with all speech content unambiguously centred on Northampton borough.
The station will blend music and features presented by local people. The music will, at times, have wide appeal and at others, be of specialist interest. The features will include local and regional news and detailed community information, including promotion and coverage of local events. Revolution Radio will champion local sport and provide a unique platform for discussion and debate. It will promote the arts, business and local sport, as well as environmental and heritage events. We will use music scheduling software to ensure a consistent sound with a carefully structured mix of genres informed by research into the musical tastes of our target audience and our team’s extensive experience of programming successful radio stations. Revolution Radio will play music from the last 30 years and current music combining mainstream pop and R&B with reggae and urban genres (hip hop, grime, bassline, UK Garage, dubstep, UK funky, dancehall and soca). This blend of music is designed to appeal to our target audience and have crossover appeal for the wider community (online survey of 500 adults via Surveymonkey covering the whole community of Northampton in June 2020).
Daytime programmes will follow this consistent playlist with genre-specific specialist shows in the evenings and at weekends. These will focus on urban genres (previously listed) with additional programmes targeting specific communities. For example, bhangra, desi and Bollywood music aimed at the Indian and Pakistani community and Disco Polo and Romanian Pop aimed at Eastern European communities. Although music on these programmes will be predominately in other languages, presentation will be in English and accessible to the wider audience with presenters showcasing cultural diversity at the same time as providing a service of entertainment, information and discussion for their own community. Supporting local music is an important part of our commitment to the community and our research indicates demand for this (see above). As well as playlisting local artists during daytime, a weekly programme will feature local unsigned and emerging artists, live sessions and interviews, a gig guide, reviews and recordings of performances. Outside broadcasts from local events and music festivals will also feature.
“I’m a singer/songwriter from Northampton and heavily involved with the local music scene. I help many artists promote their music so I’m very aware of the importance of local radio in championing up and coming acts. Apart from the BBC there is very little support in Northampton so it would really make a difference if Revolution Radio is given a licence. Their proposed support for live music, local artists and venues would be invaluable, especially in these challenging times with many venues still closed.” - Hannah Faulkner
Revolution Radio will produce hourly local news updates with stories sourced by our own journalists supported by Radio Newshub and a content sharing agreement with BBC Northampton. We will offer this content to NLive Radio who we have a good relationship with. National and international news from IRN will also feature. During major news stories we would include additional regular updates. Weather forecasts and travel news will feature at least hourly during daytime. Entertainment news will air twice daily. An hourly what’s on guide will allow local organisations to promote their events. We will proactively source content and make it easy for groups to provide information with an interactive website calendar and high street studio reception. A community noticeboard will feature in every show with announcements and requests for help from individuals and local organisations (e.g. charity appeals, lost pets, litter picks, missing people, volunteering opportunities) A daily ‘job spot’ will feature local employment vacancies. Sports news will feature four times daily with national and local stories including football, rugby, cricket and grassroots sports clubs. A Saturday afternoon sports show will cover latest scores, match reports and interviews with local teams. We will also seek to offer live football and rugby commentary.
“We would certainly welcome an additional platform to get club info on events out into the community. It sounds like a really exciting project for you and hope you get the approval required to get it off the ground.” - Jonathan Taylor, Operations Manager, Northamptonshire County Cricket Club
Every weekday, Lunchtime Live will include a daily phone in with a live studio guest or outside broadcast with expert advice and regular opportunities to put questions to MPs and local councils. This will improve accountability and enable our target communities to have their voices heard and become more visible to local government. Daytime shows will also include regular interviews on relevant topics. A weekly arts show will include interviews and reviews featuring local theatres, comedy and performing arts. Revolution Radio will also feature regular outside broadcasts at the weekend from the many local events we attend including speaking to the public and organisers. The daytime music to speech ratio will be 75%/25% and 85%/15% in the evenings, across the whole week. We will broadcast live output as much as possible with a minimum of 6am – 10am and 4pm – 7pm with the option to ‘voicetrack’ original output between 10am and 4pm when live output is not possible. The evening and specialist music shows will be a combination of live and pre-recorded shows depending on the competence and availability of the presenter. Weekend output will be live for a minimum of 8 hours per day. There will be no repeats however output will be available as a ‘listen again’ service via the website and podcasts, vodcasts or audio clips. All output from 6am to midnight on weekdays and 6am to 10pm on weekends will be locally produced and original. At other times, syndicated programmes relevant to our target communities and music format may be included.
B. What is the address of the proposed studio (if known)?
Beckett House 14 Billing Road Northampton NN1 5AW
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:
Revolution Radio is primarily targeting the diverse ethnic communities of Northampton without excluding the wider mainstream audience. The daytime music format will feature a range of genres selected to appeal to these communities with a careful selection of individual tracks which have crossover appeal. Topics discussed during daytime programmes will be selected for their relevance to the target communities, local area and topical significance. The evening specialist shows will be aimed at particular cultural communities, specifically: - African Community – Afrobeats, African hip-hop, afro-soul, afro-house - Caribbean Community – Reggae, soca, dancehall, Caribbean hip-hop, ska, rocksteady - Eastern European Community – Disco Polo, Romanian Pop - Asian Community – Desi, Bhangra, Bollywood - Greek Community - Irish Community Other specialist shows featuring house, grime, bassline, UK Garage, dubstep, UK funky and soul music will be aired which have been selected to appeal to a cross-section of our target communities and a broader audience. Speech content within these shows will cover issues, topics and events relevant to our target communities and the town such as ethnic issues, health, justice, social cohesion, arts, technology and economics. We will encourage our listeners to use the radio station as a platform to have their voices heard and will encourage a range of opinions to be aired via our daily phone-in Lunchtime Live , via interaction on our social media and with occasional live events such as pre-election debates and town meetings. Revolution Radio will also provide a wealth of local news and information which is not currently available on any radio station which will be of interest to our target audience: - Hourly local news - Hourly What’s On Guide - Regular Community Noticeboard feature - Daily programme with local politicians and community guests providing access to local democracy and accountability Importantly, the radio station will act as a showcase for the rich cultural diversity of Northampton and present our target communities in a positive spotlight to the wider community. This will work towards building bridges between cultures and fostering social harmony within the town. Recent social unrest around the Brexit vote and black lives matter movement have highlighted the urgent need to bring people together and we will always work towards uniting local communities. For this reason, all programmes will be broadcast in English in an inclusive and accessible style.
Online survey of 500 adults in Northampton conducted in June 2020 via Surveymonkey
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:
Our proposed station will overlap Heart East (96.6 FM), Smooth Radio (1557 AM) and NLive Radio (106.9 FM). Heart is networked 20 hours a day; 3 hours is shared across Herts, Beds, Bucks, Northants, East Anglia, Essex and Cambridgeshire. There is an average of one regional story in each 60 second hourly news bulletin. Music is upbeat adult contemporary pop from 1970s to today aimed at a mainstream female 35-54 audience. Smooth Radio’s output is entirely presented from London with some regional news bulletins. It plays soft adult contemporary music aimed at mainstream adult females over 45. NLive Radio is a community radio station based at Northampton University which our vox pop research (open ended questions asked during a street survey in June 2020) suggests is perceived as a student radio station by those who are aware of it. Although their key commitments do not specify a target audience, the radio station’s output is mainstream pop which would appeal to an under 35 audience. Our online listening survey suggests low awareness (45.7%) of this service and a limited audience (6.5% listen regularly). Neither station caters for the diverse communities of Northampton in terms of content or music format and the amount of local news and information is very limited. Recent consolidation of commercial radio and cutbacks at publishers such as JPI Media, owners of the Northampton Chronicle and Echo has led to a greatly reduced provision of local news and information.
Our online survey suggests 71.7% of people had either never heard of the existing licensee, Inspiration Radio, or never listened to the station. 4.4% listened regularly, of which 2.2% tuned in during the last week. Our vox pop research (100 adults from Northampton interviewed in June 2020) confirmed that a large majority of our target communities do not listen to any local radio services including Inspiration Radio. Reasons given were a combination of a lack of awareness of Inspiration Radio, poor signal and disinclination to listen:
• “I’ve listened a few times but it’s a bit amateurish”- Male, 30s, Black British • “I can’t get it in my house – the signal’s rubbish” – Female, 30s, Eastern European • “The music’s niche, not my taste” – Male, 30s, Asian • “There’s not much local information on there so what’s the point?” – Male, 40s, Black British
Online survey of 500 adults in Northampton conducted in June 2020 via Surveymonkey
Social gain
5. Social gain Guidance notes Community radio is required to be for the public good Broadcasting legislation specifies a number of and to bring community benefits, or social gains, to ‘characteristics of community radio services’. Licence holders need to ensure their services conform to these listeners and participants. The requirement for ‘social characteristics, including in this case the delivery of social gain,’ is one of the key factors that makes community gain. radio stations different from other radio services. The legislation sets out social gains that stations must provide. These are the achievement, in respect of individuals or groups of individuals in the target community, or in
Please tell us what community benefits your service will respect of other members of the public, of the following bring to your target community(ies) and/or the general objectives – public. Please include summaries of evidence to support (a) the provision of a radio service to individuals who are your answer. otherwise underserved by such services, (b) the facilitation of discussion and the expression of Answer in fewer than 1,500 words: 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 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. Revolution Radio is committed to providing social gain on and off air.
(a) The provision of a radio service to individuals otherwise underserved
Our face to face survey (open ended questions to 100 respondents in a street survey, June 2020) suggested a large section of our target communities do not listen to any local radio services including the previous licensee Inspiration FM. It indicated the following requirements for a radio service they would find relevant and wish to listen to:
1. Appropriate music format 2. Professional sounding 3. Relevant local information detailing local events 4. Discussion of issues affecting their community
Revolution Radio will address this by providing a professional sounding community radio service with a coherent music format, carefully scheduled and relevant programmes with targeted speech content. It will reach an audience way beyond the friends and families of its volunteer base, achieving a high level of awareness in its target communities and the wider population of Northampton.
We will do this by ensuring the quality of the broadcast output and having the resources and experience to implement a carefully planned marketing strategy:
• Strong, consistent, recognisable and memorable brand • Visible presence at local events with a branded team, banners and costumed mascot • Strong social media and online presence with relevant content • Coverage in local press and magazines through partnerships with MK Pulse, Northampton Echo, etc • Leaflet campaigns to targeted postcode areas populated by diverse communities • Posters in shop windows, libraries and venues • Promotional car stickers in partner shops and distributed at local events • Contra sponsorship of events with station logo on posters
1 See Article 2(3) of the Community Radio Order 2004 and Ofcom’s Notes of guidance for community radio applicants and licensees.
(b) Facilitation of discussion and expression of opinion
Revolution Radio will provide a platform for our target communities to comment on issues which matter to them. We will proactively encourage their participation in our daily phone-in discussion programme Lunchtime Live via social media, phone/Zoom/Skype and as studio guests with the goal of airing a broad range of opinions.
The breakfast show will include a ‘soapbox’ feature with listeners having their say on relevant subjects (e.g. local organisations, issues or news topics).
Our news team will regularly gather and broadcast public opinion in vox pop form.
Our community who can visit our prominent town centre studios at any time to make us aware of an issue or alert us to a news story.
Our team will have a visible presence at local events giving the community the opportunity to tell us about issues of importance and voice their views on air.
We will organise regular live debates and town meetings as a forum for public discussion.
(c) Provision of education or training to individuals not employed by the station
Revolution Radio will provide free training to our volunteers and the wider community:
• Volunteer Training covering relevant skills including radio presenting, broadcast journalism, audio production, web development, sales, IT, presentation, photography and video skills • Radio Training – Our Director Chris Gregg has previously run a professional radio presenting course and we will offer this training to presenters on any community, hospital, student or commercial radio station who wish to develop their skills. This will be offered free of charge to volunteers. • Community Outreach Activities at local community centres involving members of our target communities who are not currently in education or training and engaging them with DJ skills, podcast recording, video blogs and interview skills workshops. The goal is to improve confidence, self-respect and employment prospects. • National Citizenship Scheme - Young people will be able to host radio shows tackling issues affecting them. • Media Students – Offering structured opportunities for College and University students to gain practical relevant experience with our news team. Our experienced Directors will assist as guest lecturers. • School Radio Workshops targeting schools with a high proportion of students in our target communities, aimed at building confidence, verbal communication skills, teamwork and research skills.
(d) Better understanding of the particular community and strengthening of links within it
Our target communities represent a rich and diverse cultural melting pot and we will seek to bring these groups together by highlighting common aspects of their cultures such as shared tastes in music, sport, cuisine, humour and common challenges.
By providing an accessible, professional sounding radio station which has crossover appeal for the wider community, Revolution Radio will act as a showcase for the rich cultural diversity of Northampton and present our target communities in a positive light.
We will work towards building bridges between cultures and fostering social harmony within the town with all programmes broadcast in English and presented in an accessible style.
We will also fulfil the other optional objectives described by the Community Radio Order 2004.
1 Delivery of services provided by local authorities… and wider dissemination of knowledge about those services/local amenities.
Revolution Radio will work closely with the local authority to provide an opportunity to reach diverse communities which are often missed with official communications. Local politicians, MPs and civic leaders will regularly feature on our Lunchtime Live phone-in, making them answerable to the local community.
2 Promotion of economic development and of social enterprises.
We will provide an affordable advertising platform for local businesses, working closely with Northampton Chamber, Northampton BID, SEMLEP and networking groups including Business Club Northants and BNI to support local enterprise and assist economic growth. We will encourage people to support small businesses with on air features and marketing materials to promote shopping locally.
“I feel strongly that Revolution Radio would be a great platform to discuss what a small business could offer. I would also love to hear and learn more about other SME’s and startups in the area. I am a real Northampton homegrown”. – Dan Barrett, NR Creative Marketing
3 Promotion of employment.
We will feature a daily job spot, highlighting employment opportunities in the town with an emphasis on those offering on-the-job training, upskilling and apprenticeships in areas that our local area needs more skilled people (e.g STEM opportunities for young people)
4 Provision of opportunities for the gaining of work experience
There will be opportunities for local secondary school students to undertake a two-week structured work experience programme encompassing all departments of the radio station and including an accountable set of specific skills listed on a completion certificate.
5 Promotion of social inclusion.
The principle of social inclusion is core to Revolution Radio’s culture. All presenters will be trained in our diversity policy which ensures content is balanced and doesn’t discriminate.
We are committed to supporting local community groups working with disadvantaged and marginalised people.
“Picture the Difference is a creative and performing arts organisation for young people and adults with additional needs (mental health issues, ASD/Aspergers, learning difficulties). We have a lot of talented participants who would be very interested in learning about radio programming and broadcasting. Working alongside Revolution Radio would help them to develop in confidence and improve their communication skills and also give them a chance to showcase their talents to the wider public across the county.” - Zoe Martin, Creative Director, Picture The Difference
6 Promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity.
The ethos of Revolution Radio, in presenting the diverse communities of Northampton in a positive light with an accessible format which appeals to the wider community, is primarily intended to foster social harmony and a greater empathy and understanding between communities whilst celebrating their diversity.
7 Promotion of civic participation and volunteering.
Our regular Community Noticeboard feature on air and online will promote volunteering opportunities to our listeners. We will actively support groups aiming to address issues of concern to the community (e.g. the Living Wage, refugees, Covid 19 disparities and inequalities in provision of healthcare)
We will also provide social gain in the following additional ways:
Revolution Radio will support local charities, fundraisers and not-for-profit organisations with:
• Charity appeals • Annual charity auction with lots promoted on our website and social media • Practical help at local events • Advice and guidance on areas such as marketing, event management and social media • Playlisting appropriate charity singles with links to purchase online.
We will support numerous community events with:
• Free Publicity on air, online and social media including interviews • Attending Events, hosting music stages, selling raffle tickets, facepainting, handing out sweets or balloons, interacting with our mascot and broadcasting live • Event Photography which will be shared on facebook and sold to support the station. • Providing on stage hosts, performers and PA equipment to non-profit events free of charge.
We will support local musicians, dancers and other performers by:
• Including local artists on our daytime playlist • Weekly dedicated local music show • Opportunities to perform at local events • Interviews and live sessions • Promoting local theatre performances
Coverage for grassroots sports teams, encouraging participation with:
• Regular on air sports reports • Website and social media coverage of results and news • Regular interviews to introduce sports to new participants and encourage an active lifestyle
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 their services conform to these characteristics, including in opportunities to participate in the operation and this case providing opportunities to participate in the management of the service? operation and management of the service. Ofcom requires Answer in fewer than 400 words: 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? Revolution Radio considers the recruitment and development of volunteers to be crucial to the sustainability and viability of the station. Maintaining this input is front and centre in the station’s founding principles. A clear strategy has been devised and refined and this will be developed to expand volunteer and community group membership on award of licence.
Revolution Radio will bring together a team of approximately 50 volunteers from our target communities in Northampton.
We plan to operate an Open Door Policy which is published on our website at theradiorevolution.co.uk/about-us/open- door-policy and states that:
• We proactively encourage new volunteers to get involved in the operation of the radio station by posting on our website and social media and appealing on air for people to contact us with a regular recorded announcement. • We will appeal for volunteers in our leaflets and place posters advertising opportunities in community centres,
job centres and with volunteering agencies including Northampton Volunteering Centre and Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire. • We will give everyone who contacts us expressing an interest the opportunity to get involved in some way. • New volunteers who contact us are invited to our team meetings and given a structured induction including basic training on how the radio station operates and introduced to the many different opportunities such as local events team, reviewers, graphic designers, website editors, commercial sales (for commission), presenting/co-presenting, etc and are offered the opportunity to volunteer within the department(s) of their choice. • Potential presenters are offered free professional training and the opportunity to present shows on our online training station until they have reached the standard required to go on air on our main service. Revolution Radio has many roles within our management structure which give the opportunity for volunteers to be empowered with responsibilities (see organisation flow chart below). The most capable and committed volunteers are offered the opportunity to take on these management roles when positions become available.
Volunteers are able to stand for election to the board of Directors when positions become available.
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 provision each applicant proposes to make to allow for access by members of the target community to the facilities target community can gain access to your facilities that to be used for the provision of the service and for their would be used for the provision of your service and to training in the use of those facilities. receive training in their use. Answer in fewer than 400 words: Recruitment and development of volunteers is crucial to the sustainability and viability of Revolution Radio with substantial volunteer and community input central to its ethos. A strategy has been devised and will be developed to expand volunteer and community group membership on award of licence.
Revolution Radio will endeavour to provide access to its broadcast facilities for the widest possible engagement by the community, ensuring premises are Disability Discrimination Act compliant.
We will endeavour to offer anyone in our community access to training on a range of opportunities aimed at improving media skills, digital literacy and verbal skills. A programme of training and booking facility will be available on our website and courses will be advertised extensively including posters and leaflets in community centres, job centres and parish council offices.
Training courses will include:
• Radio Presenting • General Digital / IT Skills • Journalism / News Reporting / Interviewing • Audio & Music Production / Multi-track recording / Editing • DJ / Mixing • Web Development • Marketing / Social Media • Sales • Photography • Video filming / editing
Internships
We will participate in the Government-subsidised Traineeship programme and provide meaningful, high-quality work experience to trainee presenters, journalists and engineers. Volunteer Presenter / Producer Training
Volunteers are offered a structured course of training to reach a professional standard. This includes practical experience with practice shows on our online training station alongside guidance on selecting appropriate show content, legal / compliance training and understanding the audience. Professional Training Courses
We will run 10-week professional training courses aimed at experienced presenters on any radio station who wish to develop their skills at a professional level. The course will be taught at basic, intermediate and advanced levels and our Director Chris Gregg has been operating this since 2012. We will offer free places on these courses to volunteers. School Workshops
We will work with local secondary schools to run radio workshops for pupils aimed at building confidence, verbal communication skills, teamwork and research skills. The courses can also be incorporated into coursework in a range of subjects. Community Outreach
We will take a mobile studio out into the community to reach out to disaffected youth around the local area using various activities to engage with young people and offer them the opportunity to ‘find their voice’. This could include DJ skills workshops, podcast recording, video blogs / editing and interview skills.
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 holders need to ensure their services conform to these How will members of your target community: characteristics. One is that, in respect of the provision of the • make contact with your service, and service, the provider makes itself accountable to the community (or communities) the service is intended to • influence the operation of the service? serve. How will suggestions or criticisms from members of your Ofcom is required to have regard to the provision each target community (or communities) be considered and applicant proposes to make in order to ensure its acted upon? accountability to the relevant community (or communities). Answer in fewer than 500 words: Revolution Radio will be proactive in ensuring we are accountable to the Northampton community.
Our accountability policy is published on our website and summarised here.
Our executive management team is overseen by our Board of Directors, including our non-executive Directors, and meets to consider any issues raised by members of the public with the outcome reported back to the person raising the issue.
There are several methods for the public to raise issues:
• Bi-Annual Town Meeting - in which the executive management team answer questions and listen to feedback. Open to anyone to attend with issues followed up at board meetings and outcomes fed back to the community. • Listener Contact – Premises – Revolution Radio’s studios are in a prominent location in the town centre which enables us to be completely accountable as the general public can give direct feedback to the presenter who is on air at any time. Our live studio will be in a shop window with reception open to the public daily to give feedback. • Listener Contact – Events – We will attend over 50 local events every year and interact with as many members of the community as possible, using the icebreaker of photography or our mascot. We will welcome feedback from listeners and potential listeners.
• Listener Contact – Online – Our listeners can contact us directly via social media with feedback or via the website, texting, phoning or writing.
Revolution Radio’s Community Advisory Panel will consist of representatives of organisations with a stake in the service we provide to the community. It will meet quarterly to review the station’s performance against our Key Commitments.
Representatives of the following organisations/groups will be invited to join the advisory panel.
• Northampton Interfaith Forum (representing diverse religious communities) • United African Association (representing the African community) • Northampton Afro-Caribbean Society (representing Black British community) • Northampton Bangladeshi Association (Asian community) • Northampton Chinese Society (Chinese community) • Polski Klub Northampton (Polish / Eastern European community) • Northampton Rights and Equality Council • Northampton Borough Council • Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire (voluntary organisations) • Northampton Arts Council (arts organisations) • Northamptonshire Community Foundation (local charities) • Northampton Town Football in the Community Trust (representing sport and communuity) • Northampton Community Safety Partnership • Northamptonshire Surprise (Tourism and Local Information) • Northampton College (Education) • Confederation of Small Businesses • Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District • Northampton Chamber Any new community groups will be encouraged to join the panel if suitable
Organisations can apply to join the panel by contacting the radio station via the usual channels and their application is discussed by the Advisory Panel based on whether they would broaden the range of viewpoints on the panel.
Complaints / Grievance Procedure
Revolution Radio has various policies which are published on our website for public scrutiny including our Equality and Diversity Policy, Open Door Policy, Complaints Procedure, Child Protection Policy and Privacy Policy. These separate policies are all overseen by the Board of Directors.
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: [As in section 1 of this application] Revolution Radio
Licence area: The Borough of Northampton which comprises the [State the proposed coverage area as set out in section 3 of postcode areas of NN1, NN2, NN3, NN4 and NN5 with this form.] the surrounding areas of NN6 and NN7.
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.
Revolution Radio will primarily provide music, information and entertainment for the diverse ethnic communities of the Borough of Northampton including the Black British, Asian, mixed ethnic and non-British white communities but will have an accessible style designed to also appeal to a wider mainstream audience in order to build bridges with marginalised communities.
The service broadcasts: [these bullet points should be a summary of the answers you have given in section 4 of this form]:
• Music. The main types of music2 broadcast over the course of each week are: [insert types of music in a maximum of 30 words]
Mainstream pop, R&B and urban genres from the last 30 years with crossover appeal for the wider community. Genre- specific specialist shows will also feature in evenings and at weekends.
• 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]
Local, National and International news, weather, travel, sport, a what’s on guide, community noticeboard, phone-ins and interviews.
• 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 18 hours per day. [What are the minimum hours per day that the service will broadcast original output?]
• The service provides locally-produced output5 for a minimum of 18 hours per day. [What are the minimum hours per day that the service will broadcast locally-produced output?]
[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]
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.
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 particular 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 • 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 a of operation) 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: Revolution Radio Limited
Date of registration: 30/6/2020
Company registration number: 12708738
Type of company (or other body corporate): Not-for-profit 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, and (or other body corporate) applying for this licence, and any on what basis this control and ownership is achieved. (If this issues regarding its control. We will also consider how the company (or body corporate) will be run (this will usually be will be different once the station starts broadcasting please specified in the Articles of Association of the company). say so (a licence is not issued until broadcasting 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 body corporate), and state the extent of their interest in most cases or in significant respects. (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 not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, Revolution Radio Limited is wholly owned by its Members.
Any volunteer is eligible to become a member on completion of 12 months regular involvement with the organisation (defined as completing a minimum of 4 volunteer hours per month) upon payment of an annual membership fee of £25.
An AGM is held annually at which all Directors must stand for re-election.
Any members can stand for election as Directors if they are nominated and seconded by two other members.
The current Members of Revolution Radio Limited are Chris Gregg and Ian Hickling who are also two of the Directors of the company. All Members have equal voting rights.
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 required to evaluate the human resources involved in the • A list of directors, indicating who is the managing running of a community radio station. Answers should director and/or chair (please see question 12 regarding demonstrate how those who have relevant experience will directors’ details). 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).
Revolution Radio Limited has three Directors: • Chris Gregg (Managing Director and Company Secretary)
• Ian Hickling (Non-Executive Technical Director) • Neil Kenlock (Non-Executive Chairman)
Day to day management of the radio station will be carried out by the Executive Management team: • Chris Gregg (Managing Director) • Emelia Kenlock (Commercial Manager) • Tony Dibbin (Programme Controller) • See Appendix A (Technical Manager) • Mikey Faulkner (Head of Music) • To Be Appointed (Head of News) • To Be Appointed (Outreach Coordinator)
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 available copy of this application form. (All community radio In addition, if any individuals have been identified for applications forms will be made available on our website.) If management roles at the proposed station, please give you request that any information be removed, please further information in this section. indicate which (and why by email to [email protected]). Answer (for each director):
Director: Chris Gregg Employment: Charity Fundraiser and self-employed Other directorships: None Relevant experience or qualifications: Chris is a very experienced radio programmer with over 20 years’ experience having worked for GCap Media, Global Radio, UKRD and Chrysalis Radio and managed successful radio stations in Leeds, Manchester and Milton Keynes as well as broadcasting on some of the largest regional and local stations.
He set up MKFM in Milton Keynes in 2011 which included 6 RSL licences, broadcasting on regional DAB from 2013 and a successful Community Radio licence application in 2015. Chris was previously Programme Controller of Horizon Radio in Milton Keynes from 2006 and oversaw the rebrand of the radio station to Heart 103.3, after which he took the station to its highest RAJAR reach and hours for 10 years.
Before moving to the local area, Chris was Programme Manager at 96.2 The Revolution in Oldham between 1999 and 2006, achieving the radio station's highest ever audience figures of over a million total hours, a figure which has never been surpassed by subsequent managers.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Broadcasting degree from Leeds University, taught in conjunction with BBC Training and has completed several management training courses with GCap Media and Global Radio. He is currently working in fundraising for a local Hospice charity and runs a successful events company.
Director: Neil Kenlock Employment: Media Consultant and Photographer Other directorships: None Relevant experience or qualifications: Neil is a Jamaican-born photographer and media professional who is acknowledged as being "at the forefront of documenting the black experience in the UK". Neil has over thirty years of broadcasting
experience and was the co-founder of Choice FM, the UK’s first licenced radio station for the Black British community. He has been awarded broadcasting licences for Choice FM south London, Choice FM north London and Choice FM Birmingham. He was also a director of Galaxy Radio Birmingham and Capital Xtra. As a director at Choice FM he partnered with a number of government bodies to create initiatives to help reduce crime and build social cohesion. He co-founded The ‘Disarm Trust’ and worked with the Metropolitan Police to deliver a live broadcast from the Choice FM Peace on the Streets festival. Neil launched the first black Business Advice radio show, funded by the London Development Agency and the Health and Lifestyle show in partnership with the NHS. He is an active member of the broadcasting community and acts as a voluntary consultant in his spare time. He has consulted for several community, commercial and online stations. He has advised a number of stations on set up, management, equipment installation, fund raising and programming. Those stations include being a director of New Style Radio in Birmingham and consulting for Voice of Africa Radio, State Government Radio in Nigeria and Lake FM in Tanzania. He is a member of the African and Caribbean Business Network and ACE UK, a community group that organises black history charity events. This year he delivered community talks at Clapham Holy Trinity Church, Birmingham University and Middlesex University. Neil became a staff photographer for West Indian World, one of the first national black British newspapers in 1973. In his first two decades as a professional photographer he specialised in fashion, beauty, celebrities and the cultural lifestyles of Black Britons. During the late 1960s and the 1970s he became involved with the British Black Panther movement, becoming the group's official photographer and documenting anti-racist protests and demonstrations in the UK. In 1979 Kenlock co-founded the pioneering Black lifestyle magazine Root ("A British Ebony, only more connected to how people live in Britain"), published until 1987. Over the years, he has photographed celebrities including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Eartha Kitt, Donald Quarrie, Eddy Grant, James Baldwin and Muhammad Ali, icons of reggae music such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff. Desmond Dekker and John Holt, and political personalities including Diane Abbott, Michael Manley and Indira Gandhi alongside key figures and leaders in the black community. He became a recognised artist and member of the Tate Museum in 2015, following the acquisition of his photography archives by the museum. His works closely with the National Portrait Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, Museum of London, Black Cultural Archives.
Director: Ian Hickling Employment: Founding Partner, transplan UK Other directorships: 3 C BROADCASTING LIMITED (11946058), BGFM LIMITED (10904419) Relevant experience or qualifications: Ian’s interest in radio started at the age of 12 and has expanded into many areas. He left school with Science and Maths qualifications, served in the RAF and then joined The Plessey Company on piezo-ceramic development. He then moved to what was then Jaybeam Aerials in Northampton and started on a career in the black magic that is antenna technology. Ian is the co-founder of the transplan UK Partnership, one of the leading names in community radio technical support in the UK. Ian’s expert antenna technology knowledge is key to the æthos behind transplan UK’s highly specialised “transmission planning” regime which gave the Partnership its name. Ian has provided technical support for well over 100 of the nearly 300 community radio stations across the UK from an unrivalled knowledge of transmission systems and equipment and also the evolution of frontline studio technology. Parallel with this, Ian has had close involvement in the overall processes of structuring and licensing of small-scale radio in the UK and the development of advances in equipment design and specification in partnership with specialised manufacturers, resulting in transplan UK now having a unique stance in the Industry.
If any individuals (not necessarily directors) have been identified for management roles, please state what experience identified individuals have to undertake the role in question.
Emelia Kenlock (Commercial Manager) Relevant experience or qualifications: Emelia has a Media and Cultural Studies degree and over 18 years of media experience, including the role of part time commercial traffic manager at Choice FM and launching the UK’s first national,
black, teen music magazine Young Voices published by The Voice, Britain's only Black national newspaper. She is a qualified National Union of Journalist Representation Officer and was the Chair of the NUJ Black Members Council from Mar 2006-to Dec 2015. She has organised NUJ events including last year’s lecture with Clive Lewis MP the Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Emelia has spent the last eight years working for non-for-profit companies such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Heritage Lottery Fund Expectations Project and the Chartered Management Institute, managing their sales, marketing, digital, and communication channels. Her responsibilities also include overseeing operations and commercial strategies, sitting on steering groups and budget management. Her other experience includes: • Winning Heritage Lottery Fund Award of £79,000 for a national Black British heritage creative project. • Organising workshops and training for volunteer network at Chartered Management Institute 2012-2016 • Qualified Mentor and Coach - Chartered Management Institute accredited, 2014 • Recruiting and training volunteers, MacMillan Cancer Support 2009-2011 • Organising live streaming event with former Health Minister Paul Burstow, Jan 2011 • Regular guest on BBC Radio 5 Live, Radio 2 and BBC World Service, Jan 2000- Feb 2009 • Organising Young Voices mentor project presented to Prince Andrew, Apr 2005 • Member of Millennium Volunteers Awards Judging panel, 2004 • Interviewed Tony Blair at No.10 Downing St for the Big Conversation in 2003 and 2004 • Nominated for Best News Print Journalism category at the EMMA Awards in 2003
Tony Dibbin (Programme Controller) Relevant experience or qualifications: Tony is one of the UK’s most accomplished broadcasters and Programme Controllers. He completed a ten year stint as host of the daily Breakfast show on Global’s Gold network in May 2019 and can now be heard daily across the UK on Bauer Media's Absolute Radio 70s and the weekend network breakfast show on Greatest Hits Radio. Tony also works as Consultant Content Director of Fix Radio UK. His extensive broadcasting experience has included Atlantic 252, Beacon Radio and numerous international radio stations. Tony has lived in the local area for a large part of his career including during his time as Programme Controller of Chiltern Radio and Heart Bedford.
Mikey Faulkner (Head of Music) Relevant experience or qualifications: Mikey has over 20 years on air experience with all the major UK radio brands including Heart, Free Radio and Gold. His track record includes regular shows on Radio Essex, Chris Country, Connect FM, BRMB, GEM 106 and Fosse 107. He was previously Programme Controller for community radio station MKFM in Milton Keynes and lives in the Northampton area.
Technical Manager Our Technical Manager is currently working at another radio station and we are therefore keeping his identity confidential. Please see Appendix A for their details.
13. Staffing structure Guidance notes What is the staffing structure of your proposed radio The legislation requires that Ofcom has regard to the service? Provide a job title for each position and indicate applicant’s ability to maintain the proposed service (as well whether the individual will be paid or will work in a as to ensure the applicant is fit and proper to hold the licence). As well as its ownership, management and voluntary capacity, will be full or part-time (indicate the operations, the proposed staffing of the station is relevant to these considerations.
number of hours for part-time posts). This may be provided as a diagram or organisation chart.
Answer in fewer than 400 words, plus organisation chart (optional):
Executive Management Team – Responsible for the day to day running of the station:
• Managing Director (Full Time, Paid) - Chris Gregg • Commercial Manager (Part Time – 12 hours a week, Commission based) – Emelia Kenlock • Programme Controller (Part Time – 12 hours a week, Voluntary) - Tony Dibbin • Head of Music (Part Time - 12 hours a week, Voluntary) – Mikey Faulkner • News Editor (Part Time – 20 hours a week, Voluntary) – To Be Appointed • Technical Manager (Part Time – 4 hours a week, Voluntary) – Confidential (See Appendix A) • Outreach Coordinator (Part Time – 8 hours a week, Voluntary) – To Be Appointed
Revolution Radio will have a large number of volunteers who are involved part time and there will be a natural turnover of team members over time. The number of hours they are involved will vary according to the nature of the role and individual circumstances but will typically be the following:
Presenters (All Voluntary. Hours on air indicated. Does not include off air preparation time)
• Breakfast Presenter - 20 hours a week • Mid-Morning Presenter –15 hours a week • Drivetime Presenter –15 hours a week • Daytime Presenter –15 hours a week • Evening Show presenter –15 hours a week • Weekend presenters (4) – 4 hours a week • Specialist presenters (10) – between 2 and 4 hours a week
Other Roles (All Voluntary)
• Tech Op – Part Time, 12 hours a week • Producers – Varies between 0 and 3 hours a week • Co-Presenters – Varies between 0 and 3 hours a week (not shown on organisation chart) • Reviewers – Varies between 0 and 3 hours a week (not shown on organisation chart) • Street Team – Varies between 0 and 3 hours a week • Technical Team – Varies between 0 and 3 hours a week • News Team – Varies between 0 and 3 hours a week • Community Features Team – Varies between 0 and 3 hours a week (not shown on organisation chart)
Sales Team
The freelance sales team will work varying hours on a structured commission system with the opportunity to earn up to 20% of what is sold. Some of the sales team will also work in other roles within the station such as presenters.
Organisation Chart
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 group, ability to run a community radio station for the licence 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:
Chris Gregg met Ian Hickling in 2011 whilst setting up community radio station MKFM in neighbouring Milton Keynes. Ian provided valuable advice and guidance on the station’s technical set up, transmission system and licensing process. They have continued to work together on subsequent projects. Ian has known Neil and Emelia Kenlock for over ten years, working on various radio projects including setting up a community radio station in Kenya. Ian brought Chris, Neil and Emelia together to develop applications for small scale DAB licences with each contributing unrivalled expertise in programming and running radio formats and community projects to the group which complimented his own expertise in developing DAB multiplex transmission systems. Chris has known Tony Dibbin since working together at GCap / Global Radio when Chris was Programme Controller of Horizon Radio in Milton Keynes and Tony had a similar role at Chiltern Radio in Bedford. They have since collaborated on numerous radio projects including MKFM and local live events. Chris and Tony worked with Mikey Faulkner at Global Radio and MKFM where they met [Technical Manager - See Appendix A]. The group came together in Summer 2019, sharing a like-minded approach to community radio and a passion for using the medium to help bring communities together and support local organisations. They tested several potential small-scale DAB formats as online radio stations including the multi-cultural format which has served as a blueprint for Revolution Radio. This involved extensive research into listening preferences within diverse communities in Milton Keynes and Northampton which has informed the music format and programme content of the service alongside more recent research in the local area referred to in the application. Revolution Radio Ltd was registered as a not for profit company in July 2020 in order to apply for the Northampton Community Radio licence.
B. Please summarise the group’s broadcasting experience (e.g. internet radio, Restricted Service Licences (RSLs)).
Answer in fewer than 150 words:
The Directors have extensive experience in launching and successfully operating radio stations. Chris Gregg has over 20 years’ experience as a Programme Controller including as the founder of Milton Keynes community radio station MKFM which also broadcasts on regional DAB. Neil Kenlock co-founded of Choice FM, the UK's first radio station for the black community. We have drawn on his extensive experience of the tastes and preferences of the Black British community in planning Revolution Radio. Ian Hickling has extensive Community Radio experience having provided technical support for over 100 of the nearly 300 community radio stations across the UK from an unrivalled knowledge of transmission systems and equipment. Tony Dibbin has over 21 years on air experience including ten years hosting the breakfast show on Gold and management experience with Global Radio in neighbouring Bedfordshire. Mikey Faulkner also has extensive on air experience and was Programme Controller of MKFM
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:
Neil Kenlock has extensive experience supporting diverse communities - his photography has been at the forefront of documenting the black civil rights movement. He has set up and run several Black British community groups. Chris Gregg worked as a fundraising officer for Northampton-based charity MND Association and is currently Senior Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser for Willen Hospice. He has been operating professional radio training courses since 2012 and attends several networking groups connected to Northampton. Emelia Kenlock has a great deal of experience in non-profit and community organisations managing their sales and communication channels, overseeing commercial strategies, sitting on steering groups and budget management as well as writing several successful funding applications. Ian Hickling has experience in training and education providing professional transmission engineering training to employees of TransplanUK. He has assisted over 100 community radio stations with technical and organisational advice and is an active contributor to the Community Media Association.
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:
Experience described in Director/Management profiles
Evidence of demand:
15. Demand and/or support Guidance notes Please provide a summary of evidence of demand and/or When considering community radio licence applications, support for your proposed service. Ofcom is required to take into account the extent of local demand for, or support for, the provision of the proposed This may include a variety of information, for example: service. • summary of support from statutory or voluntary sector It is for applicants to decide what evidence of demand or organisations which expect to contribute practically support they wish to submit. However, Ofcom does not and/or financially to your operations, or which would believe that generic support for the establishment of a new expect to collaborate with you in joint activities; radio service is as meaningful as evidence of considered • evidence of interest generated through radio activity support for a specific applicant’s proposals. This means that (e.g. RSLs, internet radio), community activity, training, Ofcom does not attach great value to numerous examples of voluntary sector work etc.; similar generic or form letters of support by your group, or to petitions. • results of research; Copies of letters or research reports etc. should not be • summary of support from local politicians, councils, submitted. However, your response here may include brief
educational or religious bodies etc.; relevant extracts from such material and must represent an accurate and comprehensive summary of any such • summary of support from local business or other supporting evidence. If we wish to see the source material, sectors; we will ask for it. • evidence of support from your proposed target community. Answer in fewer than 1,000 words:
Our detailed research, a Surveymonkey online survey of 500 adults in Northampton covering a representative cross- section of socio-demographics carried out in June 2020, indicated a high level of support for a new dedicated community radio station for Northampton with universal support for the idea.
We found 67.3% of respondents would like a service which supports disadvantaged, marginalised and under-served groups and 59.2% specifically requested a station for diverse local communities. This supports our objective to serve this audience. A high number of respondents (91.8%) also said they would expect the station to promote local voluntary groups, and 57.1% saw the value of community radio as a training resource, both of which are key elements of our proposed station.
Open ended responses included: • Promote disabled people in a positive light. • Just local info
• Information and help for people in later life • Help highlight local bands and music groups as well as local drama groups
We have received over 100 messages of support including from many community groups representing a cross-section of the diverse communities we wish to primarily serve. These can be viewed in full at theradiorevolution.co.uk.
“Being active supporters of and participants in the Northants Inter-Faith forum, it is Northants' Buddhists' firm belief that the proposed broadcasting will facilitate and reinforce the unification of the counties' various faith groups, as well as provide helpful and beneficial information for listeners.We support unreservedly Revolution Radio's community radio application to broadcast in Northamptonshire”. – Bob Pollak, Northants Buddhists
“Northamptonshire Chamber represents 1,000 local businesses employing over one third of the workforce. As a culturally diverse community it is important to have a local radio station which can bring everyone together and support local charities, voluntary groups and businesses. We would like to offer our support for Revolution Radio's vision for a community radio licence. Chris Gregg is known to the Chamber from his previous work with MKFM and we are confident he has the skills and experience to make Revolution a valuable asset for the town. We feel there is a genuine need for a professionally run radio station which our members can use to reach a local audience and would urge Ofcom to grant an FM license based on this provision”. – Louise Wall, Interim Chief Executive, Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce
“I’m delighted to offer my support. The recent crisis has demonstrated how important it is for members of the community to be kept in touch with what is going on locally. This project looks as though it will achieve this by providing a service for a wide range of the Northampton community”. - James Saunders Watson, Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire “The town does need to be brought together to offer up voices and opinions to those in the unitary council who may not be fully aware of local issues especially in the present climate when meetings being held on Zoom. Those without broadband miss out and they are likely to be the most vulnerable”. - Cllr Janice Duffy, Northampton Unitary Council “Access to a local radio station could be useful to us in generating greater awareness of our services to life-limited and disabled people” - Festival Spirit
“I wish you the very best in this community venture, which I trust will benefit listeners of Northamptonshire if the programming meets the needs of the listeners. Thanks and very best wishes to Radio Revolution”. – Harkirat Singh, Sikh Education Service
“It’s vital to the local community to have a local station that reflects the community it's based in. There are still many people afraid to go out and we are looking for a local voice to inspire and reassure people. We are looking at how we could create and promote content that helps people with their mental health and would be very interested in working with Revolution Radio”. - Sammuel Yisrael, Sol Haven “Revolution Radio is desperately needed by the local music scene in Northampton - local radio has ignored us. We really need a station which supports bands, singer/songwriters and unsigned artists by playing their music and talking about gigs”. - James Faulkner, The Barratts “I am thrilled to hear of your exciting plans. I firmly believe local radio is a wonderful way of supporting local businesses, sports teams and musicians and benefits the community by keeping them updated about local news and events”. - Cllr Tony Ansell, Mayor of Northampton 2018-19 “This will be very beneficial, getting into homes the local support available to our community to encourage people to venture out and start to reduce the mental health issues being faced at this moment in time”. - River, Rush2TheDen “This would fantastic for the community. Being able to advertise our events for people with disabilities or special needs would mean that more people would be able to benefit from the services we provide, which includes a safe environment, reducing social isolation and improving the confidence of those attending”. - La-Vern Haye, Club Palm Beach “Being a local station, it could have an impact for us when advertising as we will be able to target our local audience” - Ashley Baldock, Phipps Henson McAllister Chartered Accountants
“We’re very aware of the lack of coverage offered by existing radio stations locally. We believe there are a lot of ladies in Northampton who would love to play netball again, and your new station could be the way to get a message out to them”. – Janice Daynes, Totally Netball Northampton
“We ran the most successful local business networking group for 13 years and I am writing to offer our support for Revolution Radio which will certainly be a popular addition to Northamptonshire”. - Mike Willis, The Business Club Northants “We’d love to support a new radio station. It's just what the community needs”. - Pete Brown, Bedrock Tiles “A local radio station in Northamptonshire would benefit the community greatly. It would give a rich source of local information that otherwise may have been missed”. - Kerry Lewis-Stevenson, NN Pulse Editor
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 launch ✓ 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 ✓ Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
21. Pre-launch financial information - contingency ✓ 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 (https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/information-for-industry/guidance/tech-guidance/eng_code)
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 Yes example, your start-up and other costs, detailed earlier?
Transmission site What is the postal address and post code: National Lift Tower address: Tower Square Northampton NN5 5FH
The NGR is a reference code comprising two letters and two groups of three numbers (e.g. SW 123 456). SP 73710 60586 It is available from Ordnance Survey.
What is the height of the site, in metres, Above 73m (240ft) AOD Ordnance Datum (AOD)?
National Grid In metres, what is the total height of the mast / 127m (418ft) Reference (NGR): building Above Ground level (AGL)?
About the site’s What is the height, in metres, of the transmitting 127m (418ft) dimensions: antenna 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 transmission site: describe 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? No
Applicant group owns site? No
Other – please specify. N/A
Applicant group owns site? No (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: Chris Gregg Email: [email protected] Website: www.theradiorevolution.co.uk
PLEASE ENSURE YOU ADVISE OFCOM OF ANY CHANGES TO YOUR CONTACT DETAILS
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, any body 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 a By a director shareholder or member (section 12 of this application (section 11 of this form) application form) a) Local authorities None None b) Bodies whose objects are wholly or mainly of a political None None nature, or which are affiliated to such a body c) Bodies whose objects are wholly or mainly of a religious None None nature d) An individual who is an officer of a body falling within (c) None None above e) A body corporate which is an associate (as defined in paragraphs 1(1) and 1(1a) of Part I of Schedule 2 to the None None Broadcasting Act 1990) or a body falling within (b) or (c) above) f) An advertising agency or an associate of an advertising None None agency
Yes – One of the Members, Ian Hickling is also a Director of 3 C Yes – One of the Directors, Ian BROADCASTING LIMITED Hickling is also a Director of 3 (11946058) which C BROADCASTING LIMITED applied unsuccessfully (11946058) which applied for a Community Radio unsuccessfully for a licence and is currently Community Radio licence and unlicensed and a is currently unlicensed and a dormant company. He is dormant company. He is also g) Other broadcasting interests (including radio, television, also a Director of BGFM a Director of BGFM LIMITED satellite and cable broadcasting and allied activities). LIMITED (10904419) (10904419) which holds a which holds a Community Radio licence for Community Radio licence Blaenau, Gwent but views this for Blaenau, Gwent but as an ‘honorary’ position with views this as an no active involvement. ‘honorary’ position with Ian will resign both no active involvement. Directorships if this Ian will resign both application is successful. Directorships if this application is successful. 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: (i) the applicant; (ii) any director of the applicant; (iii) 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
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.
Chris Gregg (Name of person)
Managing Director (Title or position in the applicant group)
10/7/2020 (Date)