Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
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.
RADIO PAISLEY (or RADIO PAISLEY 2021 – dependent on City of Culture Status)
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 primarily to serve one or more communities (whether or data (e.g. from the Office of Population, Census and not it also serves other members of the public) and we Survey) and in relation to your proposed coverage need to understand who comprises that community or area, please determine the size of the population communities. The target community will also be concerned and the make-up of the population as a specified in the licence, if this application is successful. whole, along with any relevant socio-economic The legislation defines a ‘community’ as: people who live information that would support your application. or work or undergo education or training in a particular (Please tell us the sources of the information you area or locality, or people who have one or more provide.) interests or characteristics in common. Answer in fewer than 300 words:
Radio Paisley wishes to serve the people of Paisley. Paisley is Scotland's largest town with a population of just over 76,000. (Source: ONS) Census information for Paisley and Renfrewshire (Census 2011) shows there is a total population of 174,000 in the Renfrewshire area that also includes Johnstone, Renfrew, Erskine and Linwood of which there is a 52/48 split between males and females. The population is 97% white with 40% being between the ages of 30 and 59, and 25% of the population is aged 60+. This equates to our belief that the population is slightly older than the national norm and it is this particular sector that Radio Paisley wants to primarily serve. The area is not a prosperous area with 62% of households described as 'deprived' in some form. Through our 'Social Gain' activities we intend to be able give this section of the population a voice in the town. Paisley has a distinct cultural identity and for too long has been swamped by media originating from Glasgow. It is time for Paisley to regain its voice and promote what is best about our town. Paisley has not had a local radio station of any description since Q96FM moved from the town in the late 1990s to become Rock Radio.
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 The town of Paisley, ithin the Renfrewshire Council area.
Programmes and programme output: Definitions: Studio location: The studio from which the service will be broadcast should be located within the licensed area.
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
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 providing a service that would: service. (i) cater for the tastes and interests of members of its Question B relates to how your output will serve the target community or communities (or for any tastes and interests of your target community. particular tastes and interests in those communities); Question C is about how your service will broaden (ii) broaden the range of programmes available on non- the range of local (non-BBC) services available in BBC local services (commercial and community your area. stations) to members of the relevant community or communities; Later in this form you will be asked to draft your own ‘key commitments’. This will form the basis of your (iii) broaden the overall range of such non-BBC local licence and is what Ofcom will judge you against. It services provided in the area concerned; and should include a summary of your proposed (iv) have a distinct nature, or provide distinct content, programme output as set out below and reflect your from any non-BBC local services with which it would commitment to cater for relevant tastes and interests, overlap. to broaden the range of relevant programmes and Ofcom is required to consider the extent to which an services and to provide a service with a distinct applicant’s proposals will cater for the tastes and nature and content as set out in the Guidance Notes interests of members of its target community or in the column opposite. 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?
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
• 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:
Radio Paisley will provide a professional sounding radio station, with high presentation and production standards, that will make the station an enjoyable 'listen'. Our volunteer presenters will be trained by experienced radio professionals and given continued coaching to develop and maintain their skills. The goal is to provide a radio service which is the first choice for listening for our target community and to use this audience to provide social gain by promoting and supporting the work of local charities and community groups, local businesses, musicians and cultural artists and local sports teams. Radio Paisley will be a non-formatted station in regards to the music it plays. Each individual presenter will have control over the music he/she plays (subject to certain timing guidelines - death metal thrash rock is probably not appropriate on the Breakfast Show but would be acceptable on a specialist late night rock programme.) The station aims to highlight locally produced material from world famous local artists such as Paolo Nutini at one end of the spectrum to local unsigned artists looking for their first radio airplay. The main non-presentational speech elements of the service will include a weekday 20 minute speech magazine programme at 6pm from Monday to Friday relating to the news, events and happenings across the whole community of Paisley. For too long Paisley has only made it onto radio news bulletins when there has only been negative stories to tell, such as crime or job losses. Radio Paisley wants to be the bearer of positive news – whether it's the story of the City's bid to be UK City of Culture 2021, or the news of a major employer in the area expanding, Radio Paisley should be there to tell the story. 3 minute local news bulletins will be broadcast during Breakfast Monday to Friday (7am - 10am). This will be the first time local radio news has been broadcast from the Paisley area since Q96FM moved from the area in the late 1990s. Local news bulletins would also be broadcast on a weekend. Other proposed speech elements include a weekly ' round table' local current affairs discussion programme on a Sunday morning; a weekly community health programme (30 min) and a local sports magazine programme probably mid mornings on a Saturday (30min) Local radio comes to the fore in times of inclement weather or other natural disaster events. We would provide detailed school closures information, as well as news on road, train and airport closures The mid morning show (10am – 1pm) is the home of regular studio guests and phone ins which give our listeners the opportunity to discuss local issues , both fun and serious, with key decision makers including MPs, MSPs, the Provost and local Councillors. This programming strand will also feature regular 'social gain' campaigns ranging from Blood donation appeals to advice from the local Citizens Advice Bureau concerning personal debt management. There will be a number of specialist music programmes appealing to certain genres including Irish and Country music programmes; Big Band music, Easy Listening and youth orientated dance music shows amongst others. All of these are currently genres that are underserved in the Paisley area by existing non-BBC services. Station management will exercise oversight in making sure that all tracks played comply with the OFCOM Broadcasting Codes of Practice, especially in relation to bad language. Live broadcasting from our High St studios will be from 7am -1pm, and 6pm - 11pm Monday to Fridays, and generally from 7am to Midnight on Saturday and Sundays. These live broadcasting hours reflect the fact that most volunteers are not available during the daytime during the week. Broadcasting in other languages would be limited to possible programming in Gaelic depending on the availability of financial aid from the Gaelic Broadcasting Fund. The overall music to speech ratio will be around 75% music to 25% speech as an average (excluding overnights) although there will be strands where speech will be nearly 100% of the content. Most output on the station will be locally produced at our studios in the High St of Paisley and will be specifically produced to be broadcast on Radio Paisley. Certain programmes will be repeated at off-
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form peak hours or overnight. A number of programmes would also be available as 'listen again' podcasts on the station's website.
B. What is the address of the proposed studio (if known)?
Shop Premises at 3 High St Paisley. (previously The Co-Op Travel Shop – now empty). Ground floor premises of c. 1,000 sq ft that complies with the DDA for disabled access
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:
In 1990 a local commercial radio service was launched for Paisley and Dumbarton under the name of Q96 FM. It's original premise as a 'full service' local radio service included many speech based programmes such as panel discussions; local political phone ins, health programmes and dedicated sports programming centering on St Mirren FC. These programmes were generally well received by listeners, however they were expensive to produce using the full time staff of the station. However the station was not a financial success due to its high operating cost base, and was eventually sold to IRG/Wireless Group, and with OFCOM's permission relocated to Glasgow and eventually reformatted to a 'Rock music' station, losing all speech programming in the process. There has been no permanent local radio station in Paisley since then, either physically or catering to the needs of Paisley. Radio Paisley aims to rectify that state of affairs by becoming part of the community serving Paisley with a range of 'full service' programming that is of interest to people in Paisley about Paisley. If it happens in Paisley on a news, community, cultural or sporting basis Radio Paisley will be covering it. Radio Paisley believes that it's programming will be of interest to its target community.
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:
Currently the non BBC local services available within the Paisley area are: Clyde 1 - Largest commercial station in Scotland with a CHR format. No specific relevance to Paisley Clyde 2 - Mainly Scottish networked commercial station with a Gold format. No specific relevance to Paisley Capital - Mainly nationally networked station with a CHR format. No specific relevance to Paisley Heart - Mainly nationally networked station with a AOR format. No specific relevance to Paisley Smooth - Mainly nationally networked station with a oldies format. No specific relevance to Paisley Connect - RNIB - The local FM service of the Royal National Institute for the Blind's excellent service targetting blind and visually impaired people. Sunny Govan - (partly receivable in Northern end of Paisley) -Community station based in Govan, Glasgow - very youth orientated. Rock Radio Glasgow 96.3 - Rock Music format. Will be on air by the time community licence is awarded. Pulse FM (partly receivable in Southern end of Paisley) - Community radio station for Barrhead and East Renfrewshire, occasionally mentions Paisley in its broadcasts. YOUR Radio 106.9FM - (partly receivable in Northern end of Paisley) - Commercial radio station for Dunbartonshire, does not cover Paisley and Renfrewshire editorially. The key distinction that Radio Paisley will accentuate musically is the wide range of musical genres available to listeners within the area, by being more specific to what our local listeners want to hear. Presently no radio station caters to the more mature listener i.e. no Big Band, no Country & Western and very limited Easy Listening music appeal to the older section of the community that is one of our core targets. Our presenters will be encouraged to cater their music choices to this market.
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
The other key difference that Radio Paisley will provide is in the realm of locally relevant speech content with distinctive speech content that is not currently available on any other non-BBC station within the area.
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 listeners and participants. The requirement for ‘social holders need to ensure their services conform to these gain,’ is one of the key factors that makes community characteristics, including in this case the delivery of radio stations different from other radio services. social gain. Please tell us what community benefits your service The legislation sets out social gains that stations must will bring to your target community(ies) and/or the provide. These are the achievement, in respect of general public. Please include summaries of individuals or groups of individuals in the target evidence to support your answer. community, or in respect of other members of the public, Your draft ‘key commitments’ (later in this form) of the following objectives – should include a summary of your proposed social (a) the provision of a radio service to individuals who gain set out below. are otherwise underserved by such services, Answer in fewer than 1,500 words: (b) the facilitation of discussion and the expression of opinion, (c) the provision (whether by means of programmes included in the service or otherwise) of education or training to individuals not employed by the station, and (d) the better understanding of the particular community and the strengthening of links within it. Social gain may also include the achievement of other objectives of a social nature.1 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.
Radio Paisley was set up to believe that local radio can be used for social gain through both on air and off air activities. Broadcasting unique and useful features throughout the station's programmes, Radio Paisley will provide and strengthen links within our community by providing a readily accessible platform to reach a wider audience than is presently possible at the moment, through interaction by text, phone, social media or through the station's website. One of our aims is to bring together the different communities that make up the great town of Paisley, and to that end all presenters and volunteers will be trained in the station's diversity policy which ensures content is balanced and doesn't discriminate against any one section of the community. Radio Paisley intends to support as many local community events as possible with free publicity on air, online and on social media, as well as attending events and interacting with listeners and participants at those events by broadcasting live where possible. Radio Paisley will help local charities and not-for-profit organisations to reach out to the community and raise awareness and funds. Radio Paisley will run an annual charity auction on-air (and online) by
1 See Article 2(3) of the Community Radio Order 2004 and Ofcom’s Notes of guidance for community radio applicants and licensees.
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
auctioning items donated by local businesses in aid of local charities. We will also give the charities practical help with volunteer manpower for specific fundraising days. One of the main reasons for Radio Paisley's existence is to promote local musicians and performers as part of the 2021 City of Culture bid. To this end we will always give opportunities for musicians to obtain airtime for their music, along with interviews and live (acoustic) sessions with performers. We aim to give local unknown singers and musicians their first opportunity to get radio airplay and to help mentor them in giving live performances if required. There would also be opportunities for local dramatic groups to perform on air with either existing productions or specifically written for radio pieces of drama or comedy. Education and training is an important part of the ethos of Radio Paisley and the station will offer free training to our volunteers and the community. In particular we will organise and run courses covering radio presentation, journalism and audio & video production. Several of the current management committee members have long held experience in tertiary education in teaching radio skills to degree level. Through our existing ties with YOUR Radio and West College Scotland we would look to extend the already established 'internship' scheme that station has with West College Scotland's Clydebank and Greenock campuses to include students from the Paisley campus. We would also look to encourage local businesses to contribute to the success of Radio Paisley through close ties through organisations such as the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, to which we already have had participation discussions.
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 opportunities to participate in the operation and ensure their services conform to these characteristics, management of the service? including in this case providing opportunities to Your draft ‘key commitments’ (later in this form) participate in the operation and management of the should include a summary of your proposed service. Ofcom requires information as to how this would participation objectives as set out below. be achieved. Answer in fewer than 400 words: 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?
As a not for profit company limited by guarantee Radio Paisley does not have shareholders as such. The company is run by its members and we have an Open Door policy regarding membership and volunteering. We will regularly encourage new volunteers to get in involved with the operation of Radio Paisley, by posting on our website and social media, and appealing on air for volunteers from all walks of life. We aim to give everyone who contacts us the opportunity to get involved in some way. All new volunteers will be given a formal induction in how the radio station operates and what different opportunities are available to help, not just on-air, but the equally important back room activities such as community liaison, administration and street team work. Experience of running community radio stations has taught the Management Committee that there will be an initial influx of around 60 – 80 volunteers, which will coalesce into around 20 – 25 long term committed volunteers. We would expect to train around 25 – 30 new volunteers each year on the station's main training induction and presentation courses. The most committed volunteers will be offered the opportunity to take on management responsibilities when positions become available.
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
7. Access to facilities and training Guidance Notes Set out the practical (formal and informal) Ofcom is required by the legislation to have regard to the mechanisms which you will use to ensure that provision each applicant proposes to make to allow for members of your target community can gain access access by members of the target community to the to your facilities that would be used for the provision facilities to be used for the provision of the service and of your service and to receive training in their use. for their training in the use of those facilities. Your draft ‘key commitments’ (later in this form) should include a summary of your proposed access and objectives for training people in the use of the facilities as set out below. Answer in fewer than 400 words:
Radio Paisley will offer anyone in our community access to training, both formal and informal, on a wide range of subjects aimed at improving volunteers media skills, digital skills and life skills. Our studio and office premises have excellent disabled access and are fully DDA compliant. Presenter training courses will be run on a structured basis to give an understanding and the ability to hone skills to a near professional standard. Modules would include practical studio training; content preparation for programmes alongside legal and compliance training to comply with various broadcasting Codes of Practice. 'Taster' courses would also be run for small groups, such as school pupils, to give them a basic understanding of how radio works and radio presenting.
Ensuring accountability:
8. Accountability Guidance Notes Please set out your proposed community Broadcasting legislation specifies a number of accountability mechanisms. These should cover ‘characteristics of community radio services’. Licence matters such as: 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 service, the provider makes itself accountable to the • make contact with your service, and community (or communities) the service is intended to • influence the operation of the service? serve. How will suggestions or criticisms from members of Ofcom is required to have regard to the provision each your target community (or communities) be applicant proposes to make in order to ensure its considered and acted upon? accountability to the relevant community (or Your draft ‘key commitments’ (later in this form) communities). should include a summary of your proposed accountability measures as set out below. Answer in fewer than 500 words:
Radio Paisley will be pro-active in ensuring accountability to the citizens of Paisley. A formal accountability policy will be drafted and published on the station's website. There will be a number of ways for members of the public to raise issues and to input their ideas into the running of the station: A station 'Town Meeting' will be held twice a year, in which the executive management team and Directors will listen to feedback and answer questions put forward by members of the public. Our proposed studio premises are in a highly visible location right in the centre of the town on the High St. This location enables the station to be accountable by enabling the general public to come and give feedback at anytime during the premises normal opening times. A Volunteer and Community Advisory panel will be set up consisting of a number of representatives of organisations with a stake in the service we provide to the community. It is envisaged this panel; would meet quarterly and would review the station's progress against it's published Key Commitments. Radio Paisley would have a formal Complaints and Grievance Procedure put into place and various policies would be formulated and instigated. These would include n Equality and Diversity Policy; an
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
Open Door Policy, Complaints Procedure, Child Protection Policy and Privacy Policy. Ultimate responsibility for running the station will rest with the Board of Directors. Each Director will stand for election/re-election on an annual basis, when all members of the company will be entitled to vote.
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 Radio Paisley (or Radio Paisley 2021) [As in section 1 of this application] Licence area [State the proposed coverage area as The town of Paisley, within the Renfrewshire Council area. set out in section 3 of this form.] Description of character of service The community that we wish to serve is the people, who live, work, or visit the town of Paisley and its immediate surrounding area. The main purpose of the service is to offer a range of 'full service' radio programming that is of interest to people in Paisley about Paisley whether it is news, community, cultural or sporting activities. The station's primary function is to act as a not-for-profit conduit of information and entertainment to the people of Paisley.
The service broadcasts: • Music. The main types of music2 broadcast over the course of each week are wide and varied. There will be no formal 'playlist' in operation and music played will be up to judgment of individual presenters ranging from current material, to unsigned local artists to specific genres such as Country, R&B and Easy Listening. • Speech. The main types of speech output3 broadcast over the course of each week are: primarily locally originated news bulletins during weekday breakfast and at weekends. Community information in the form of What's On guides; a daily 20 minute speech news and magazine programme concentrating on Paisley, along with topical discussions throughout the week • Over the course of each week programming is broadcast in primarily English, although there is some scope for Gaelic language instruction. • The service provides original output4 for a minimum of 12 hours per day.
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.
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
• The service provides locally-produced output5 for a minimum of 18 hours per day. 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. Only a body corporate can hold a community radio company) submitting this application and the type of licence. A body corporate is almost always a (registered) body corporate. company, although it can also include, for example, Please provide copies of the company’s some bodies created by statute (an individual or a Memorandum, Articles of Association and Certificate registered charity on its own is not a body corporate). of Incorporation (or, where it is another type of body Your application must therefore be submitted on behalf corporate, its founding documents and those which of a registered company (or other body corporate). set out its objectives and rules of operation) 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: Radio Paisley Ltd
Date of registration: 21st July 2017
Company registration number: SC571768
Type of company (or other body corporate): Company Limited by Guarantee
Where your body is not a company, please explain how it meets the requirement to be a body corporate:
5 Locally-produced output is output made and broadcast from within the service’s licensed coverage area.
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
10. Ownership Guidance Notes Please provide details of who controls and who owns Ofcom needs to know about the ownership of the the body corporate (e.g. company) applying for this company (or other body corporate) applying for this licence, and on what basis this control and ownership licence, and any issues regarding its control. We will is achieved. (If this will be different once the station also consider how the company (or body corporate) will starts broadcasting please say so (a licence is not be run (this will usually be specified in the Articles of issued until broadcasting starts.) Association of the company). The information provided must include: In relation to exerting control over the applicant, the • all the subscribers, members, shareholders, or information provided should include the name and whatever is appropriate for the applicant address of any individuals or corporate bodies in company (or body corporate), and state the accordance with whose wishes the applicant’s affairs are extent of their interest (e.g. % shareholding) (if or will be conducted in most cases or in significant the company will be controlled by members, but respects. 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.
At present the company is under the control of Mr Spencer Pryor as the sole guarantor to the company. When Radio Paisley Ltd is awarded the community licence then a restructuring will take place including re-registering the company as a Community Interest Company, in order to take advantage of community tax advantages such as exemption from business rates, and to formalise it's not-for-profit status. An adjustment to the Articles of Association will have to be made. At the restructuring the Company will be run by it's members and through it's open door policy anyone from within the target community may apply to be a member of the company upon payment of a nominal membership fee. This would entitle the member to one vote at all General Meetings and to vote on the appointment of the Management Committee and the Board of Directors.
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 • A list of directors, indicating who is the managing also required to evaluate the human resources involved director and/or chair (please see question 12 in the running of a community radio station. Answers regarding directors’ details). should demonstrate how those who have relevant experience will work for the station. In addition, a • An indication of management structure (e.g. diagram or organisation chart may help paint a clearer management committee or equivalent, if picture. 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).
Chairman of the Board: Spencer Pryor Management Committee and initial Directors: Malcolm Scott, Derek McIntyre Gary Marshall
12. Management and operations Guidance Notes Please provide information regarding each director as Ofcom needs to know about the proposed directors and set out below (some or all of which may be regarded chair of the applicant. Some or all of the information as confidential). given in this section will usually be removed from In addition if any individuals have been identified for the publicly available copy of this application form.
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
management roles at the proposed station, please (All community radio applications forms will be made give further information in this section. available on our website.) If you request that any Answer (for each director): information be removed, please indicate which (and why by email to [email protected]).
Spencer Pryor Employment: Broadcasting manager Other directorships: Brave Broadcasting Ltd, YOUR Radio Ltd, Timeless Radio Ltd Relevant experience or qualifications: Former ITV and BBC journalist. Worked for the original FM licencee for Paisley Q96FM in the early 1990s. Currently Chief Executive of YOUR Radio Ltd, the commercial licencee for Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute. Through Brave Broadcasting he runs the SSDAB Trial multiplex which covers Glasgow. Qualified to teach Broadcasting and Media subjects to degree level. Malcolm Scott Employment: Property Developer Other directorships: None Relevant experience or qualifications: Management Committee member and presenter at Dunoon Community Radio. Successful businessman including large capital fundraisings. Derek McIntyre Employment: Broadcaster & Media Consultant Other directorships: None Relevant experience or qualifications: Former Programme Controller/Director Q96FM/QFM Paisley. Former Programme Controller, YOUR Radio, Clydebank. 20 years on-air experience including ON-FM London and STV. Has runnumerous RSLs including being OFCOM licence holder for Inverclyde 105. Consultant and Trainer for Community Radio stations across the UK. Gary Marshall Employment: Broadcaster Other directorships: YOUR Radio Ltd. Timeless Radio Ltd. Relevant experience or qualifications: Former presenter at Q96FM, Paisley. Also on air presenter at Radio Clyde for 20 years. Current Station Director YOUR Radio, Dumbarton.
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.
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 applicant’s ability to maintain the proposed service (as indicate whether the individual will be paid or will well as to ensure the applicant is fit and proper to hold work in a voluntary capacity, will be full or part-time the licence). As well as its ownership, management and (indicate the number of hours for part-time posts). operations, the proposed staffing of the station is This may be provided as a diagram or organisation relevant to these considerations. chart. Answer in fewer than 400 words, plus organisation chart (optional):
The following all report directly to the Board of Directors, through the Station Manager. Station Manager – Full Time Paid – The Station Manager would be responsible for the overall day to day running of the station, including the organising of training and liasing with Third Sector
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form organisations within Paisley. Volunteer Co-ordinator/Station Administrator – Part Time Paid (15 hours per week.) – The Volunteer Co-ordinator will be responsible for the station's administration and co-ordination of all volunteers' activities on the station including training. Commercial Manager (Part Time – Commission Basis) – The Commercial Manager would be responsible for revenue generation from airtime and sponsorship sales. Fundraising Manager (Volunteer) – Responsible for non -on-air revenue opportunites including the organising of station fundraising events and soliciting donations and in-kind support from local businesses and organisations. Head of News (Volunteer). Responsible for running a volunteer team of journalists and would be repsonsible for news output on the station. Technical Manager (Volunteer) – Responsible for the design and installation and operation of the station's broadcasting and IT sytems. Publicity and Street Team Manager (Volunteer). Responsible for generating publicity for Radio Paisley and being in charge of the Street Team which would be the public face of the station at local events.
14. Applicant’s experience Guidance Notes Please describe the history of your group, and any Ofcom is required to consider whether an applicant has relevant experience of the group, or the individuals the ability to run a community radio station for the within the group, by answering the questions below. licence 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:
The idea of Radio Paisley was formed earlier this year when Spencer Pryor was having discussions with the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce and the Paisley 2021 City of Culture bid team in how best to broadcast cultural events and local information to the residents of Paisley using YOUR Radio, an out-of-area local commercial station based in Dumbarton. The original plan of the Paisley 2021 bid team was to broadcast on-line and via social media. However it was felt this would exclude a large number of potential listeners, especially those who were older, and had less access to the internet. It was thought that FM RSLs were probably going to be the way forward to gain experience for local volunteers and trainees, with the possible goal of broadcasting on DAB on either a local minimux or a commercial multiplex if Paisley won the 2021 City of Culture accolade. Contact was made with a number of community radio activists in the area, and premises were sought and have been provisionally obtained in a shop unit in the High St. At this time OFCOM rather unexpectedly advertised a further round of Community Radio licences in areas currently unserved by community radio stations and Paisley was marked as available. Mr Pryor then offered to co-ordinate and organise an application to be made by a not-for-profit organisation for an FM licence to cover Paisley. We are well aware of the efforts of Paisley FM, however it is our belief that a viable community radio station needs the indirect backing and support of a stronger broadcasting organisation for advice and help, along the lines of Moray Firth Radio's 'parenting' of a number of community radio stations in the North of Scotland. Through Mr Pryor's and Mr Marshall's involvement as the owners of YOUR Radio, Radio Paisley will be able to call upon practical help and advice from professionals working in the radio industry on an ad hoc basis. Radio Paisley has now set up a website at radiopaisley.org.uk, along with social media.
B. Please summarise the group’s broadcasting experience (e.g. internet radio, Restricted Service Licences (RSLs)). Answer in fewer than 150 words:
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
Collectively the initial Board of Radio Paisley has over 100 years of broadcasting experience, ranging from organising and running RSLs to broadcasting on national radio stations. There is not a problem in the radio industry that has not been addressed and solved by at least one member of the Board.
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:
All of the Directors have a great deal of knowledge in running both small and large businesses, and having business relationships with funders. Mr Scott in particular has run companies with £million turnover, and has extensive business connections throughout Renfrewshire. Mr Pryor is a former university lecturer at Queen Margaret College/University lecturing on radio subjects. Mr McIntyre is a well known professional trainer in media subjects.
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:
All individuals' broadcasting experience has been previously described throughout this application.
Evidence of demand:
15. Demand and/or support Guidance Notes Please provide a summary of evidence of demand When considering community radio licence applications, and/or support for your proposed service. Ofcom is required to take into account the extent of local This may include a variety of information, for demand for, or support for, the provision of the proposed example: service. • summary of support from statutory or voluntary It is for applicants to decide what evidence of demand or sector organisations which expect to contribute support they wish to submit. However, Ofcom does not practically and/or financially to your operations, believe that generic support for the establishment of a or which would expect to collaborate with you in new radio service is as meaningful as evidence of joint activities; considered support for a specific applicant’s proposals. This means that Ofcom does not attach great value to • evidence of interest generated through radio numerous examples of similar generic or form letters of activity (e.g. RSLs, internet radio), community support by your group, or to petitions. activity, training, voluntary sector work etc.; Copies of letters or research reports etc. should not be • results of research; submitted. However, your response here may include • summary of support from local politicians, brief relevant extracts from such material and must councils, educational or religious bodies etc.; represent an accurate and comprehensive summary of any such supporting evidence. If we wish to see the • summary of support from local business or other source material, we will ask for it. sectors; • evidence of support from your proposed target community. Answer in fewer than 1,000 words:
The Board of Radio Paisley believe that initially there is very little proof of demand for a local service by any specific licence applicant. Other than some work undertaken by Paisley based Impact Digital Radio, there has been very little activism, actually in Paisley in recent years, since the departure of Q96FM to Glasgow. Impact Digital Radio, when last speaking to the Directors of Radio Paisley, had decided to concentrate their efforts on-line and to target a specific type of listener rather than to try and broadcast to Paisley generally, mainly on a cost basis. Historically, the route to obtaining a Community FM licence would have been a number of trial broadcasts as RSLs, and this has not happened in Paisley since the 1980s with Paisley Local Radio which eventually won the Q96 licence. The Directors of Radio Paisley believe that the primary catalyst for this FM opportunity is the Paisley
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
City of Culture 2021 bid, which is causing an explosion in 'Paisley Pride' both in civic and cultural outpourings. It was through discussions with the City of Culture bid team and the management of the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce that the idea of a community radio station would act as a conduit for the expression of local pride.
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. 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). (TICKED) 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 (TICKED) Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
19. Year 1 financial information – outgoings Please summarise year 1 outgoings – your expected operational expenditure to cover the first 12 months after the service has commenced broadcasting. (Add rows if necessary). (TICKED) 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 During your first year of broadcasting would your proposed The legislation for station carry any on-air advertising? (If so, please state the Community Radio
amount of income you anticipate from this source and its places limits on the anticipated proportion of total income) amount of income annually from the sale If ‘No’ might your proposed service seek to carry on-air of on-air advertising and advertising at a later date? (If so, please state the amount sponsorship that can be of income you estimate from this source and its estimated generated. proportion of total income) During your first year of broadcasting would your proposed station carry sponsorship or commercial references in return for payment? (If so, please state the amount of income you anticipate from this source and its anticipated proportion of total income) If ‘No’ might your proposed service seek to carry sponsorship or commercial references in return for payment at a later date? (If so, please state the amount of income you estimate from this source and its estimated proportion of total income) (TICKED) Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
21. Pre-launch financial information - contingency If there is a shortfall between pre-launch predicted income and outgoings, please explain below how you would expect to cover any outstanding costs. (TICKED) 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. (TICKED) 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. (TICKED) 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: (TICKED) Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
Broadcasting engineering:
Engineering notes We require preliminary radio frequency (r.f.) engineering information and applicants are advised that this section is not intended to be exhaustive. We are asking for the basic engineering parameters necessary to determine the extent of frequency availability in an applicant’s chosen area (after taking account of the requirements of neighbouring broadcasters); and to determine whether the proposed service area can be adequately served from this site. As a result, applicants should note the importance of identifying a transmission site that is suitable for the area they wish to serve. While Ofcom would not wish applicants to go to unnecessary expense (we do not guarantee the availability of a suitable frequency and/or our ability to allocate it for broadcasting from the chosen transmission site), we do require precise details about the transmission site chosen. The questions following relate to this. Applicants should provide evidence of negotiations or agreement with the site owner (e.g. whether a provisional agreement is in place). Any licence award will be based on the coverage area from the site identified in the application. If a licence is offered, Ofcom may not be able to agree to a change from the site put forward in this application (and any request for a change will need to be justified). Applicants should read and be aware of the relevant part of the Ofcom Site Engineering Code which may be found at: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/broadcasting/guidance/tech-guidance/eng_code/ 25. Engineering information Waveband: This application is for an FM licence Yes Do you understand the requirements for FM (VHF) and Yes, and may we suggest have you incorporated these below and in, for example, 102.1MHz as an available your start-up and other costs, detailed earlier? frequency. A provisional frequency coverage plot is attached. Transmission site What is the postal address and post code: PMR Site, adjacent to address: Thornliemuir Farm, Sergeantlaw Rd, Paisley, PA2 8UQ
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
The NGR is a reference code comprising two letters and two groups of three numbers (e.g. SW 123 456). It is NS 460 594 available from Ordnance Survey. What is the height of the site, in metres, Above Ordnance 230m Datum (AOD)? National Grid In metres, what is the total height of the mast / building Reference (NGR): Above Ground level (AGL)? 30m About the site’s What is the height, in metres, of the transmitting antenna 20m dimensions: AGL? Please supply photographs of the transmitter mast / Tick if enclosed building and aerial location. Who owns the site and what are their full contact details? Is this site already used for broadcasting and if so by No – PMR use only. whom? About the Delete as appropriate the yes/no answers which describe your situation regarding transmission site: proposed site (it may be that you cannot answer all four questions): Transmission site Site identified? Yes availability: Provisional agreement with site owner in place? No Or under negotiation? Yes Applicant group owns site? No Other – please specify. (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 enquiries from the press and public and the contact applications, and from time to time statements which details for them. may include public contact details, on its website. A point of contact is required to deal with press and other enquiries from interested parties. Name: Spencer Pryor Email: [email protected] Website: Radiopaisley.org.uk
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.)
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
Activity/involvement By the applicant By a director and/or a shareholder (section 12 of this or member application form) (section 11 of this application form) a) Local authorities None b) Bodies whose objects are wholly or mainly of a None political nature, or which are affiliated to such a body c) Bodies whose objects are wholly or mainly of a None religious nature d) An individual who is an officer of a body falling within None (c) above e) A body corporate which is an associate (as defined None in paragraphs 1(1) and 1(1a) of Part I of Schedule 2
to the Broadcasting Act 1990) or a body falling within (b) or (c) above) f) An advertising agency or an associate of an None advertising agency Spencer Pryor; Director, YOUR Radio Ltd, Brave Broadcasting Ltd, g) Other broadcasting interests (including radio, Timeless Radio Ltd. (All television, satellite and cable broadcasting and allied OFCOM licencees) activities). Gary Marshall; Director, YOUR Radio Ltd, Timeless Radio Ltd. (OFCOM Licencees) 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) Answer: 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. Answer:
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
Radio Paisley community radio licence application form
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. (TICKED) 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: (TICKED) Memorandum & Articles of Association (TICKED) Certificate of Incorporation (TICKED) Application Payment (UK £ 600.00) non-returnable (TICKED) 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.
Spencer Pryor (Name of person) Chairman (Title or position in the applicant group) 26/07/17 (Date)