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Community radio 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.

West Radio

2. Community to be served Guidance Notes Define the community or communities you are It is a legislative requirement that a service is proposing to serve. Drawing from various sources of intended primarily to serve one or more communities data (e.g. from the Office of Population, Census and (whether or not it also serves other members of the Survey) and in relation to your proposed coverage public) and we need to understand who comprises area, please determine the size of the population that community or communities. The target concerned and the make-up of the population as a community will also be specified in the licence, if this whole, along with any relevant socio-economic application is successful. information that would support your application. The legislation defines a ‘community’ as: people who (Please tell us the sources of the information you live or work or undergo education or training in a provide.) particular area or locality, or people who have one or Answer in fewer than 300 words: more interests or characteristics in common.

The town of is located in West Somerset, is served by the A358 and the A39 roads from and Bridgwater, and has a population of 11,981 (2014). Within a 3 mile radius are the villages of and Dunster Marsh (population 1,310), (865), Alcombe (3,360), and Blue Anchor (375). The area welcomes over half a million visitors annually, and at any time there are 420 permanent staff on Butlins resort, and up to 5,500 residential guests visiting the town (information provided by West Somerset Council). Most residents are older than the national average, with over 32% of residents retired, and the local plan highlights that an expected increase of persons in the area will grow by 15% in the next 12 years.

Minehead West Somerset 2011 Consensus

TOTAL

South

North

District

Central

Dunster

Alcombe

Porlock & &

Minehead Minehead Minehead Minehead

Blue Anchor Blue Carhampton

No. Residents 2139 2635 4893 2338 1219 1158 2314 2196 19057

Male 982 1197 2364 1103 551 547 1092 1038 9039

Female 1157 1438 2529 1235 668 611 1222 1158 10018

Limited daily activity 692 518 1142 589 355 335 775 533 7629

Retired 451 565 478 454 252 218 330 395 3143

No. Dwellings 1260 1371 1986 1347 821 607 1126 1173 9691

A local commercial radio station licence was awarded in1998 and broadcast successfully for several years using local presenters. The station was sold to a group who also sold on and now operates as The Breeze from Bristol and Southampton. We have conducted significant research with local colleges, schools, businesses and community group organisations, who all clearly stated their wish to engage and become involved in the station. This is clearly evidenced in the program schedule and engagement from the community and endorsements, which are attached as appendices, including , West Somerset Council, West Somerset Community College, 6 local schools, and Butlins Holiday Resort with its 450,000 annual visitors. [Appendices have been provided separately to Ofcom.]

Community radio application form

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

West Somerset Radio proposes to provide a radio service for the town of Minehead, along with the neighbouring villages including Dunster, Carhampton, Blue Anchor and Alcombe

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 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.

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Community radio application form

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:

West Somerset Radio will be proudly local, with a strong focus on content that is relevant, useful and engaging for the area we propose to serve. Our studios will be fully accessible and are located in the centre of Minehead, putting us at the core of our community. We will have an open door policy, allowing residents and visitors alike to approach, feel and a be a part of their station. Our programming will feature local news, farming news, sport, what’s on and event information, tidal news, along with travel news, vital in an area that combines heavy goods vehicles on their way to and from Hinkley Point C, with small back lanes that are as likely to get congested by livestock as by cars. Other speech features will include a daily guest on our lunchtime magazine-style show covering a huge range of subject matters such as health and lifestyle, local business, jobs and careers information, education, local clubs and societies along with updates from the wide range of charities operating in the area. Our music to speech ratio is anticipated to be 75%/25% (music/speech) during weekday breakfast 0700-1000, with an 80%/20% ratio between 1000-1900. Specialist evening shows are expected to have a minimum 85%/15%. Our weekday breakfast show will be live (0700-1000). Daytime hours may be voicetracked, with up to date travel information added remotely by a volunteer to the drivetime show and elsewhere as required. This is to allow us to maximise our volunteer resources without compromising on the overall output of the station. It is hoped that specialist evening shows will be presented live wherever possible. Weekends will be live for at least four hours a day. The music we play will be a reflection of the community itself. As one of the oldest areas of the country, our musical output will comprise a familiar mix of popular hits from the 1960s through to today with a smaller emphasis on current chart hits to mirror the population demographics without alienating the high number of visitors to our area, particularly during the summer season. Our specialist evening shows will feature a range of different genres based on the tastes and choices of the volunteers involved including students from West Somerset College.

Community radio application form

All output will be in English. The majority of our output will be original and locally produced, apart from national news on the hour from IRN, although we would like to take some syndicated programmes that will be of interest and/or benefit to the local area. We would also be open to sharing our programming with other community radio stations if relevant as well as airing similar material in return. There are no plans to replay any shows or parts thereof, but we would like to retain the option of repeating shows, or parts of a show if appropriate, for example a local interview that may be repackaged at a later date.

B. What is the address of the proposed studio (if known)?

Minehead Connect CIC, The Old Hospital, The Avenue Minehead TA24 5AY

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:

West Somerset Radio has been carefully designed by people with extensive knowledge of the area, utilising existing links within the local business and education sectors along with locally based organisations and the local council. The station will reflect the needs and interests of the communities we serve. The recently approved plans for the Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station identified a potential for up to 2,000 additional vehicles travelling into the area daily. We plan to make regular live travel updates a key part of our offer, not only advising visitors and locals of travel congestion or disruption relating to travel to/from Minehead, but also of the impact of the 6,000 employees who will be travelling to and from the site of one of Europe’s largest construction projects, on the roads of West Somerset. We have spoken to a number of businesses that have pledged their support. We believe our local organisations are the lifeblood of our community, and having engaged with a number of potential stakeholders in this sector, we plan to put hard-to-reach groups at the centre of our output. Having received support from health and wellbeing groups, local doctors surgeries, and the Minehead Advice Bureau, we are committed to providing free advice as part of our programming. Over 32 per cent of residents in West Somerset are over the age of 65, according to an analysis of the latest population data by the Office for National Statistics (www.somersetintelligence.org.uk/age-group- profiles-for-somerset.pdf) Given this demographic, topics such as health and wellbeing will be promoted regularly and given prominence in our output. In addition to this, a core aim of our output will be to foster the spirit of community in West Somerset. Local arts facilities such as The Regal Theatre and Minehead Eye, heritage projects such as the , and sports clubs including Minehead FC, alongside many others, will be regularly promoted in recognition vital part they have to play within the community. The economy in West Somerset is heavily reliant on the tourism industry, with one-in-four jobs linked to tourism, compared with a national average of one-in-twelve (Appendix 2 West Somerset Local Planning Authority Area Town and Village Centres Study https://www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk/getattachment/Planning---Building/Planning-Policy/Evidence- Base-Information/Economic-Evidence/Town-and-Village-Centres-Report/Appendix-2---West- Somerset-Profile.pdf.aspx ). We plan to recognise and celebrate all that the area has to offer for visitors by making our output inclusive of, and useful to, those visiting the area; with a strong emphasis on promoting local and charitable events, engaging both residents and visitors alike.

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:

There are two commercial stations that can be heard in the area, excluding the ones coming across from Wales. These stations are Heart and The Breeze, neither of which operates from studios anywhere within the county. Both of the stations have co-location agreements in place with their

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Community radio application form

programming coming from Bristol and London (Heart) or Bristol and Southampton (The Breeze). Due to the understandable limitations of networked programming, neither station is able to provide the amount of locally focused and relevant material to any one area within its broadcast footprint that we will be able to. As such, West Somerset Radio will be able to cover local stories and happenings that might appear to be too localised for a larger station, but that are vitally important to the community we serve. Our music policy will allow us to offer a far wider range of musical options therefore increasing the choice available to the listener.

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.

West Somerset Radio will provide a wide range of social gains to listeners, participants and the general public, connecting all members of the community. Whilst not a full and exhaustive list, this will include: Providing media training and other learning opportunities (such as IT and office administration) along with the provision of work placements, working in conjunction with local education providers. Providing radio and production experience to those seeking a career in the media industry. As well as learning how to prepare and present a live show this will include other areas of broadcasting such as voicetracking, news gathering and checking, scriptwriting and advert production. This will allow those involved to gain valuable skills and experience along with increasing their self-confidence which is

1 See Article 2(3) of the Community Radio Order 2004 and Ofcom’s Notes of guidance for community radio applicants and licensees.

Community radio application form

vital when seeking employment opportunities. Allowing discussion and expression of local issues and providing a platform for community engagement. Due to the population demographics and the sparse nature of the region, the needs of West Somerset are unique with a higher risk of social isolation, digital exclusion and health and wellbeing issues that apply to a larger-than-average proportion of our audience compared to the county and country as a whole. Expanding the choice of media available for the local community by providing a platform for local artists as well as reflecting local tastes by providing an outlet for more specialist programming. Give members of the local community access to volunteering opportunities along with a platform to express their passions, experience and knowledge in ways that can benefit the whole community. Promotion of “What’s On” activities such as local charity events in the local villages and Minehead thereby improving information which will engage and promote community life. This is not currently available within the area without paying for advertising and needs promoting to assist many charities and local organisations to improve awareness and improve local communications. The promotion of local sporting activities including the local football, rugby and cricket teams allowing access to the achievements of the clubs for all. West Somerset has a particularly high level of over-65s, a demographic for whom mobility and transport is more of an issue than others, as well as the issue of digital exclusion. Radio listening amongst this group, however, is higher than average, yet there are no radio services specifically targeted at West Somerset. In addition, West Somerset has a lack of independent media outlets, with the West Somerset Free Press being the only widely-circulated publication aimed specifically at the area, and no existing radio stations.

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?

The proposed station already has the support of the following organisations which are in place to serve the communities they represent; West Somerset Council / Somerset County Council / West Somerset Community College / Minehead Middle School, Minehead Old Hospital Community Hub, Regal Theatre to name a few. All wish to actively be involved in the delivery of the station, engaging young people from within the community to actively promote the community and to provide programming and events which depict ”Community Activities and Community Life”. Harnessing new technology, the station will have full outside broadcast capability, and we envisage a proportion of programming each week being broadcast from outside the studios, reaching out into events happening around the area. It will feature news and information segments comprising of, and produced with the aid of, contributions from members of the community. To make the radio accountable there will be a management group who will initially meet monthly: this group, which is made up of 60% local residents/ organisations (non political), will be able to provide direction and support for the Key Objectives the radio station needs to deliver to ensure the needs of the area are fully represented. Around 20 volunteers providing back of house, production, technical support and community engagement will support the group. Local schools, Community Hub, Local charities, the churches, youth clubs, doctors surgeries, health and well being groups, and Help the Aged are examples of organisations from which the management

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Community radio application form

group will be formed, all working to improve communications in the community. Included in this is feedback required in the operation of the licence to conform with the requirements of OFCOM, which will be independent of the directors. Day to day management of the station will attend these meetings and be accountable to the management group in areas such as station output, community engagement, promotion of community events, and engagement with Hard to Reach Groups; we will also be working with and have the support of the YMCA, University of the 3rd World, Churches and many local organisations. Local schools and the West Somerset College have already committed to providing resources and promoting the station within their student body, which will engage and encourage the involvement of students and their parents, for example to promote plays, local events, drama groups, and the local Theatre to a much wider audience than previously, including residents and visitors alike.

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:

By engaging with local schools and colleges there will be many opportunities for young people to gain valuable knowledge, which will support their educational course work and training. This not only covers radio or broadcasting skillsets but also assists in drama and production editing: we are looking to work with the media centres in our local college, and Bridgwater College who take many students from the Minehead area. Currently there are no local facilities and students have to travel 26 miles to Bridgwater to be able to use technical equipment; this will be available within the station and will deliver production techniques, project work and assist in their accreditation. There will also be opportunities on offer to gain skills in a wide range of other operational needs, in areas such as marketing and sales & promotions for example. The facilities will be available as part of the community hub 7 days per week between Mon to Sat, 8am until 10pm, and Sundays 10am until 8pm. This will need to be booked and will be subject to availability. Local schools and colleges have the facility available on Tuesday/Wednesday and Thursday evenings to broadcast their output, which will be recorded pre transmission and checked for compliance and quality. Local groups can book the facility with an engineer for other times, which ensures the community radio station can provide other services that support the community such as The Regal Theatre, local drama groups, college and school groups all of which will be able to use the facilities as part of their rehearsal or recording pre broadcasting. As the radio station is part of the community hub we will encourage local residents, schools, colleges, and local groups to be able to access the facility formally, by booking the use of a 2nd studio that will be constructed specifically for production, or a news/voice booth, which can also be used. We generally will have presenters available or volunteers, who will oversee the use of the equipment ensuring it is managed safely and securely at all booked times. If an engineer is required there will be a small hourly charge although we will aim to train volunteers from each organisation to be able to use the facilities without the need for an engineer.

Community radio application form

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.

All visitors and residents will have access to the station by email and web page, and as part of the Minehead Connect Community Hub the studio is also open from 08-00am until 22-00pm; staff on reception will be able to take messages, for example, “Whats On” information, and we will encourage visitors to the studio. The directors are fully committed to engage with all sectors of the town and the surrounding areas. We have already consulted with and will be having open sessions with all schools, colleges and local organisations pre-launch,and these meetings will be held a minimum of twice yearly. As we intend to have regular outside broadcasts, this creates another opportunity for our listeners to influence the station output. Couple with this the management group and volunteers, and we will have excellent feedback to ensure compliance. Local surveys will form a regular part of monitoring our output to ensure we meet the needs of the community in an on-going way. The aim is to provide a genuine community radio station that recognises the needs of the community and delivers those needs in line with our “Key Commitments”. Whilst complying with our “Key Commitments” we will monitor all output. Where this is recorded checks will be made before broadcast to ensure we are compliant with the standard required as a community radio station, and to check we do not behave in any way that would be to the detriment of the community. We will encourage suggestions to be featured on air, both via our website and through personal contact by members of the team. There are many organised events that happen locally, such as cycling, athletics, tennis, football and rugby to name just a few: we will support these events and all will be promoted by inviting members of these groups and others to talk on air to promote their event. Over 450,000 visitors come to Butlins each year, and another 310,000 stay locally in or around the Minehead area. There is a large market to promote local businesses, all of which are looking to attract visitors to their facility. The station will hold an annual general meeting at which members, volunteers, trainees and the public will be encouraged to express their views.

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.

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Community radio application form

KEY COMMITMENTS: to be completed by the applicant [Guidance is given in italics.]

Station name [As in section 1 of this West Somerset Radio application]

Licence area [State the proposed The town of Minehead, along with the nearby surrounding coverage area as set out in section 3 villages of Dunster, Carhampton, Alcombe and Blue Anchor of this form.] Description of character of service [Describe in no more than 80 words in total]: - the target community/communities: The residents, businesses and visitors to the West Somerset area, centering on Minehead and the neighbouring villages - the main purpose of the service: to provide a radio service which reflects the diversity of the local community along with it’s interests and activities - the station’s primary functions or activities. To give a voice to the local area, and to provide training and opportunities to be involved in the station to all

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: A familiar mix of popular chart hits from the 1960s to the present day, augmented by a variety of specialist shows in the evening. • Speech. The main types of speech output3 broadcast over the course of each week are national and local news, reports on items of local interest, traffic and travel, weather, public service announcements, interviews and discussions • Over the course of each week programming is broadcast in English

• The service provides original output4 for a minimum of eight hours per day. • The service provides locally-produced output5 for a minimum of thirteen hours per day. [The text below is included in the Key Commitments in all community radio licences, and does not need to be amended or augmented. Every service is required to comply with these requirements, but the details of how each service does so do not need to be included in the Key Commitments]

The studio is located within the licensed coverage area.

The service provides a range of community benefits (social gain objectives mandated by statute) for the target community, both on-air and off-air, and in doing so, achieves the following objectives:

• the facilitation of discussion and the expression of opinion,

• the provision (whether by means of programmes included in the service or otherwise) of education or training to individuals not employed by the person providing the service, and

• the better understanding of the 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

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.

Community radio application form 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: West Somerset Radio CIC

Date of registration: 5th July 2017

Company registration number: 10851965

Type of company (or other body corporate): CIC

Where your body is not a company, please explain how it meets the requirement to be a body N/A corporate:

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.

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Community radio application form

There are only 2 shareholders; Dave Englefield and Bryan Leaker MBE. Dave Englefield has over 35 years of experience operating several radio stations in senior roles throughout Somerset including Quay West Radio, the original commercial station for the area, and he currently manages Sedgemoor FM in Bridgwater, as well as acting in an advisory capacity for other community stations Bryan Leaker has presented on, and had an advisory capacity within, many radio stations and his experience in broadcasting spans over 40 years. His background is in business and, for example, he has been a director of Butlins Minehead, Regional Director Grand Met, Finance Director About Health (part of Totally PLC Group), and has a reputation as a strong finance and Business Turnaround expert. As previously mentioned we will be forming a management group made up of local organisations who will be responsible for ensuring broadcasting standards and compliance with the OFCOM Broadcasting Code and requirements for community radio licensees. Two other directors have been appointed: Alex de Mendoza, who is the community liaison director. He chairs the Chamber of Commerce where we have presented to the plus 320 members who fully support the application. Many other businesses, such as Morris Carpets, Butlins, Cream, Merlins, West Somerset Railway, The Queens Head, and The Beach Hotel, all of whom have stated their commitment to support the radio station by means of advertising and other fundraising activities. Ben Parsons will manage the finance directorate. Ben is currently a Business Development Manager with a strong base of performance management Finance for a PLC listed company. No one person or director may exert control over the applicant: the directors only wish to provide a community station in the Minehead area; they are financing the total project, have purchased the studio equipment, consulted locally and made this application. Whilst Dave Englefield and Bryan Leaker are the shareholders, the investment has also been provided by them; this means that the business will have no lease costs, equipment costs, and no rent for the first 2 years so ensuring the station starts as it intends to continue, operating within a positive financial position.

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).

Bryan Leaker MBE, Chairman, will manage day to day management of all sales and sponsorship (Voluntary, 25 hours a week, part time post) Dave Englefield, Managing Director, will be responsible for all on air output, utilising his vast experience in radio station management. (Voluntary, 32 hours a week) Alex de Mendoza, Community Liaison Director, will maintain our strong ties with schools, colleges, local businesses along with community groups and local charities. (Voluntary, 10 hours a week, part time post) Ben Parsons, Finance Director, will be responsible for financial controls, preparation of financial information to inform the directors, end-of-year of accounts, systems for making payments, and

Community radio application form systems for monitoring income (Voluntary, 10 hours a week, part time)

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. 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 information be removed, please indicate which (and why Answer (for each director): by email to [email protected]).

Name: Bryan Leaker MBE Employment: Director Other directorships: About Health Ltd/Minehead Connect CIC Relevant experience or qualifications: Director of Grand Met, Inter City/Butlins/About Health. Bryan has held senior management roles and directorships managing operations of up to 1200 staff and budgets exceeding £250,000,000, he has also served as a District Councillor, member of the Learning & Skills Council and several community organisations for which he was awarded the MBE in 2004

Name: Alex de Mendoza Employment Hotelier Other Directorships Marston Lodge Hotel

Name: Dave Englefield Employment: Self employed broadcaster and radio consultant Other Directorships: Sedgemoor Citizen’s Advice Bureau Relevant experience or qualificiations: Dave was a founding member and director of BCRfm in Bridgwater overseeing the station from the first day through to its successful application to the Radio Authority for a commercial licence. Dave oversaw programming and then station managed the merger with Quay West Radio in West Somerset, running both stations until their eventual sale. Since then he has helped launch a community station and overseen the successful relaunch of Access FM into Sedgemoor FM.

Name: Ben Parsons Employment Business and Finance Manager Other Directorships None

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.

Ben Coates will oversee in house production. Ben has 16 years’ experience, having benefitted directly from experience gained at Quay West as a youngster, including 10 years in BBC Local Radio stations from Sheffield to , advanced editing and production skills and have been part of a Sony award-winning team twice, once at the BBC and once in commercial radio where he was the Assistant Producer on “Hirsty’s Daily Dose” on Galaxy 105 in Leeds, which was at the time the biggest breakfast show outside of London with a reach of over 1 million listeners.

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Community radio application form

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):

MANAGEMENT BOARD OF ADVISORY DIRECTORS GROUP

Community Managing Accounts Director Chairman Director

Schools Colleges Sales

Presenters Community Technical Trainees Groups Volunteers Support

West Somerset Radio is a Community Interest Company with four directors, each will play a direct role in the running and management of the station as detailed in Q11. Director’s roles are voluntary. The only paid role will be a part time 25 hours per week for an experienced Sales and Sponsorship manager, who is budgeted to recover his operating costs as a minimum, reporting to the Chairman. The management group, who will meet quarterly once operating, will direct and support the directors, as well as the volunteers who are drawn from the community. The directors will report into the management advisory group in Key Areas such as Operations, Finance, Future Events, Programming and Community Engagement, thereby ensuring the value and responsibility of being “A True Community Radio Station “ are maintained. We will have in-place a team of volunteer presenters prior to going ‘on air’. All will be trained to a standard agreed with the Managing Director. Students at West Somerset College will play an important role providing speech content and music programming. Business students may become involved in the administration of the station on a voluntary basis. Volunteer membership will be open to all local residents We will require volunteers to sign-in when attending the station to record the hours they have contributed. These records will be signed as accurate by the Managing Director.

Community radio application form

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:

Dave Englefield was a founding member and director of BCR, a Bridgwater based radio station for many years, which operated profitably. He managed all “On Air” output, scheduling traffic management and the day-to-day management. Dave also managed Quay West, the original West Somerset station based at . He has also been involved in the setting up of several community stations and is currently managing all aspects of day-to-day operations at Sedgemoor FM, where he is responsible for sales; the station is operating cost neutral having been turned around by Dave. Bryan Leaker has been a presenter on many radio stations within the BBC and commercial radio; he has both worked in business and has been a presenter for over 40 years. Combining his business skills with his presenting and, having now retired, he knows there is a need for Minehead to promote local businesses, attract tourism, and to engage with the community. Having been awarded the MBE in 2004 for “Services to the Community of Minehead”, this is something Bryan is passionate about. He has also been a district councillor, a member of Somerset Learning and Skills Council, and in fact many organisations locally intended to improve the community where he lives.

B. Please summarise the group’s broadcasting experience (e.g. internet radio, Restricted Service Licences (RSLs)). Answer in fewer than 150 words:

Dave Englefield has managed, programmed and launched radio stations at a number of levels including commercial and community and brings to the team a wealth of experience and knowledge of working within the confines and constraints faced by a small station. Bryan Leaker has, in addition to his broadcasting experience, a long history of community involvement in the area, that along with his business background has given Bryan a deep understanding of the workings of the area we wish to serve.

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:

Bryan has raised over £150,000 pounds in fund raising, for example for an X ray machine for Minehead Hospital, sponsoring events on air, taking part in mentoring schemes for local colleges, organising and sponsoring Christmas Day lunch for the homeless, and creating local support for many groups of disadvantaged young people. He has also worked in the past in the youth sector, advising disadvantaged young people in care and those at risk in the community, and has assisted in training Interview Technique and CV preparation to assist individuals to obtain work.. He is also part of a Business Development Group sharing best practice, and offering business support. Dave Englefield has served as a trustee and board member of Sedgemoor Citizen’s Advice Bureau since 2008, as well as being a member of the local Town Team helping to promote and regenerate the local town centres.

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Community radio application form

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:

Shown above

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:

As provided within the appendices, we have the support of both the County and District Councils, local schools and colleges, the police, health and wellbeing. [Appendices have been provided separately to Ofcom.] Examples are: Somerset County Council We will be engaging on air with both councillors and officers as we look to make the residents of the area aware of issues that may affect them; for example, transport, changes in benefits, opportunities for organisational grants, and significant events. Local roadshows are an example of ways we will communicate with both locals and visitors alike regularly on air. Local news features will keep residents up to date daily on events that may affect them in the lunchtime magazine show. West Somerset Council As per county council, again the opportunity for residents to discuss topics that affect them live on air, so giving the council and residents an opening to understand views and provide an excellent sounding board. Currently there is no local news or opportunity to join in a discussion on areas that affect locals. We have the support of the local MP Ian Liddell Grainger who has agreed to be interviewed and listen to viewers concerns on a monthly basis on our magazine programme.

Community radio application form

Ability to maintain the service – financial information:

16. Pre-launch financial information

In assessing an applicant’s ability to maintain the service we need to know what funds and assets it holds, how much it intends to spend getting the station on-air (pre-launch expenditure), and predicted funding for the pre- launch period. Please note ‘in-kind’ income is dealt with in 18 below.

Please note the categories listed below are examples for guidance only and may not be relevant to all applications (and others may be relevant to your application and in which case they must be listed)  Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.

17. Year 1 financial information - income Please provide information on the predicted income for your first year of broadcasting. N.B. there is a legislative restriction on income from on-air advertising and sponsorship/commercial references (in summary, each station is allowed a ‘fixed revenue allowance’ of £15,000 per year from paid-for advertising and sponsorship; some stations may also be allowed up to 50% of their total relevant information per year (i.e. disregarding the fixed revenue allowance). See the ‘Invitation of applications for community radio licences’ for your region for further information).  Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.

18. Financial information – in-kind support Please provide totals that reflect the in-kind support you expect to receive for the pre-launch period, and for year one. You may count some volunteer input as in-kind support – please see our guidance on this http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/broadcast/radio-ops/volunteerinput.pdf  Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.

19. Year 1 financial information – outgoings Please summarise year 1 outgoings – your expected operational expenditure to cover the first 12 months after the service has commenced broadcasting. (Add rows if necessary).  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)  Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.

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Community radio 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. Answer in fewer than 150 words and/or submit a summary table:  Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.

22. Year 1 financial information - contingency If there is a shortfall between Year 1 income and Year 1 outgoings, please explain below how you would expect to cover any outstanding costs (see also 23 and 24 below). Alternatively if there is a surplus at the end of Year 1, please explain what you intend to do with such additional resources. Answer in fewer than 150 words and/or submit a summary table:  Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.

23. Financial information – loans and other borrowings If any of your proposed funding (either set-up or operational) is in the form of loans e.g. from directors, individuals or organisations, please provide details as to who the loan is from and the terms of such lending, expected repayment terms, interest rate charged and other associated costs. Answer in fewer than 150 words and/or submit a summary table:  Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.

24. Financial information – alternative funding streams If there is a shortfall between income and outgoings, what arrangements have you explored and are in place to provide further financial and/or ‘in-kind’ support for your proposed service? If you have any proposals for expanding and/or changing the funding model of your proposed service after the first year of operation, please provide details below: Answer in fewer than 150 words and/or submit a summary table:  Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.

Broadcasting engineering:

Engineering notes We require preliminary radio frequency (r.f.) engineering information and applicants are advised that this section is not intended to be exhaustive. We are asking for the basic engineering parameters necessary to determine the extent of frequency availability in an applicant’s chosen area (after taking account of the requirements of neighbouring broadcasters); and to determine whether the proposed service area can be adequately served from this site. As a result, applicants should note the importance of identifying a transmission site that is suitable for the area they wish to serve. While Ofcom would not wish applicants to go to unnecessary expense (we do not guarantee the availability of a suitable frequency and/or our ability to allocate it for broadcasting from the chosen transmission site), we do require precise details about the transmission site chosen. The questions following relate to this. Applicants should provide evidence of negotiations or agreement with the site owner (e.g. whether a provisional agreement is in place). Any licence award will be based on the coverage area from the site identified in the application. If a licence is offered, Ofcom may not be able to agree to a change from the site put forward in this application (and any request for a change will need to be justified). Applicants should read and be aware of the relevant part of the Ofcom Site Engineering Code which may be found at: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/broadcasting/guidance/tech-guidance/eng_code/

25. Engineering information Waveband: This application is for an FM licence Yes Do you understand the requirements for FM (VHF) and have you incorporated these below and in, for example, Yes your start-up and other costs, detailed earlier?

Community radio application form

Transmission site What is the postal address and post code: Greenaleigh Upper Road, address: Minehead TA24 5SD The NGR is a reference code comprising two letters and two groups of three numbers (e.g. SW 123 456). It is SS 963 472 available from Ordnance Survey. What is the height of the site, in metres, Above Ordnance Datum (AOD)? 163 metres National Grid In metres, what is the total height of the mast / building Reference (NGR): Above Ground level (AGL)? 20 metres About the site’s What is the height, in metres, of the transmitting antenna dimensions: AGL? 20 metres 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 The Breeze (Celador) for whom? their 102.4 transmitter About the Delete as appropriate the yes/no answers which describe transmission site: your situation regarding proposed site (it may be that you cannot answer all four questions): Site identified? Yes Transmission site Provisional agreement with site owner in place? Yes availability: Or under negotiation? Applicant group owns site? No Other – please specify. 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 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: Bryan Leaker MBE Email: [email protected]

Website: www.westsomersetradio.co.uk

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Community radio application form

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 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 NONE b) Bodies whose objects are wholly or mainly of a NONE NONE political nature, or which are affiliated to such a body c) Bodies whose objects are wholly or mainly of a NONE NONE religious nature d) An individual who is an officer of a body falling within NONE NONE (c) above e) A body corporate which is an associate (as defined in paragraphs 1(1) and 1(1a) of Part I of Schedule 2 NONE NONE to the Broadcasting Act 1990) or a body falling within (b) or (c) above) f) An advertising agency or an associate of an NONE NONE advertising agency g) Other broadcasting interests (including radio, television, satellite and cable broadcasting and allied NONE NONE activities). Other interests 2. Give details of any other interest or activity of the applicant which is or could be incompatible with the requirements imposed by or under Schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Act 1990 (as modified by the Community Radio Order 2004) and Articles 6 and 7 of the Community Radio Order 2004. Please also give details of any other participant in the applicant whose interest is or could be incompatible with those requirements. (You may need to seek advice about these matters) 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

Community radio application form

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.

Bryan Leaker MBE (Name of person) Chairman (Title or position in the applicant group) 25 July 2017 (Date)

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