Radio India community radio licence application
1. Station Name Guidance Notes What is the proposed station name? This is the name you expect to use to identify the station on air.
Radio India
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 India will serve the South Asian communities of Dudley and surrounding areas. Key groups will include the Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi communities. At the 2011 Census, the total population of the Dudley Metropolitan Borough was 312,925, an increase of 7,770 from the last census; making it the 25th largest government district in England. 90.4% of Dudley's population identified as White. The second largest ethnic group was Asian and British Asian, making up 5.6% of the population. Statistics on religious beliefs show that 65.3% of the population identify as Christian, with the second largest religious group being Muslim, at 4.1%. 22% identified as having no religion, while 6.2% did not state a religious belief. South Asian Population Analysis – Dudley Metropolitan Borough
Source: 2011 UK Census The largest South Asian cohort is the Pakistani community which represents 3.3% of the population, higher than the UK average of 2.1%. The Indian ratio is 1.8% (UK: 2.6%), Bangladeshi 0.1% (UK: 0.8%), Chinese 0.3% (UK: 0.7%) and ‘Other Asian’ 0.5% (UK: 1.5%).
Radio India community radio licence application
Dispersal of South Asian Population by Ward
The radio station will be focused editorially on wards where the South Asian ethnic groups are most prominently represented – i.e. St Thomas’s, St James’s, Lye and Stourbridge North, Netherton, Woodside and St Andrews and the northern parts of Halesowen. Nevertheless, we anticipate a strong following well outside these areas from members of the Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. Accordingly, our area is loosely represented by the figure below: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Wards
The total adult universe for Radio India will be 18,942. We are confident that our unique editorial focus on these communities together with the wider social gain-driven connection will enable us to achieve a reach of around 30% resulting in a weekly audience in the region of 6,000.
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
Radio India community radio licence application
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 Metropolitan Borough of Dudley
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. 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).
Radio India community radio licence application
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: Radio India, as the name suggests, will be the first station in the area to put Dudley’s Indian population first. However, we will also provide a service – and a voice – to the many Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities across the Borough, encouraging integration, understanding and collaboration between all nationalities and faiths originating from the Indian subcontinent. The station will be distinctly ‘South Asian’ both in the music and speech content delivered by our presenters and volunteers. We will broadcast predominantly in English but will have no hesitation in lapsing into one of the many languages spoken by our diverse audiences. These will include Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, and Urdu. Our relaxed and reactive approach to language is entirely in keeping with ‘real world’ situations where the various languages and dialects can be heard alongside each other. It is impossible to accurately predict the relative exposure of each language but overall we will aim for 70% of output being broadcast in English and the remainder in the South Asian languages. Radio India will target broadly in terms of age, ethnicity and faith but we recognise the dangers of becoming perceived as too diverse and pleasing no-one. It is essential that our community-orientated elements are successful and, in order to achieve that, we need to build a strong, loyal audience. With this in mind we will focus our key weekday programmes squarely on the Indian audience with music and speech content geared towards 25-54 year olds. Music Our music has been carefully formulated to best serve the stated tastes of our listeners. All the main South Asian musical genres, eras and styles were tested in our pre-application research. Based on the findings of this research we will operate a station playlist during general daytime programming and this will feature a lively, varied mix of familiar songs including Bhangra, Bollywood, Gazal, Hindi as well as Pakistani and Bangladeshi favourites. We see music as a powerful tool with which to encourage audiences to share and enjoy the rich heritage and legacy that different communities have brought to Dudley Borough. During evenings and at the weekend we will offer a wide range of specialised music programmes to further extend our reach into the communities we serve. Radio India’s music will serve as a vital connecting thread bringing different strands of music and communities together. Through our specialist music programmes we will also encourage live music, providing a new platform from which to showcase Dudley’s South Asian musicians. We will reflect, via our music, all the relevant religious festivals and observations such as Eid, Diwali, Vaisakhi, Ramadan, Christmas and Easter. Dudley and the wider West Midlands region is a hotbed for South Asian music talent and we are fortunate to be able to call upon the advice and knowledge of one of our Directors, Kulwant Singh Bhamrah, a renowned singer/songwriter/performer whenever we need it.
Radio India community radio licence application
Speech Our schedule represents all the elements regarded as important by Dudley’s South Asian communities during our pre-application research. We take our Social Gain remit very seriously and the station will provide a range of issue-related features and interviews throughout general programming. However, key audience-winning content like News, Traffic, Sport and Weather will appear as benchmarked station characteristics during Breakfast and Drivetime sequences. In the middle of the weekday schedule our flagship 3 hour show, ‘Baatacheet’, (‘Conversation’) is a speech-led magazine programme targeted towards all the South Asian communities within Dudley Borough. Our agenda for the show is to bring these communities together and allow for a natural flow between spoken languages and listener expectations. Typically we might discuss such topics as inter- faith marriage, cultural diversity and street crime. There will also be regular guests who are experts in their respective professions. In any given week we might focus on hair care, food, fashion and money saving advice. Ad hoc ingredients will include live phone-ins and studio discussions, community service information, interviews with community leaders, politicians and celebrities. Radio India will embrace the local South Asian community across a very wide 15 – 70 age group, with an emphasis on those who are socially isolated, excluded, unemployed, disadvantaged and housebound. As part of our inclusive approach we will set out to help build intergenerational understanding which will strengthen community cohesion by reflecting civic pride and encouraging participation. We will welcome the involvement of all sections of Dudley’s South Asian communities regardless of background, gender, ability or religion. Evenings and Weekends Radio India will connect with the wider extremities of our demographic target outside the constraints of general programming. The vast majority of South Asians aged under 20, for example, are unavailable to listen during the day because they are at school or college. However, there is a long history of successful youth-targeted radio programming in the early evening and this is where Radio India aims to win young hearts and minds in a daily show, ‘Aaj Yuva’, produced and presented by the younger members of our team. As well as the latest music from the UK and the subcontinent the show will feature interviews and sessions with local music talent plus competitions and features aimed at Dudley’s South Asian youth audience. Older people will be catered for late at night and across the weekend when we will provide a range of programmes specifically aimed at the over 60s. These programmes will be conceived and developed in close liaison with organisations such as Age UK Dudley and West Midlands U3A Black Country Network. During the evening and at weekends we will also carry a range of ethnic music programming working to an eclectic and interesting agenda set by local people.
B. What is the address of the proposed studio (if known)?
Charlton House, 51, New Street Dudley DY1 1LU
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:
Radio India will be made by, for and about the South Asian communities of Dudley Metropolitan Borough. Set against a strong and appealing backdrop of carefully selected music, Radio India will set out to become famous for delivering useful and relevant community information along with participatory programming on relevant community issues. We will also provide a platform for South Asian arts and culture and a new outlet for the area’s music producers and performers. South Asians in Dudley are poorly served by the existing local and community radio stations. Now, for the first time, they will have a media voice for themselves. Radio India intends to be much more than ‘just a radio station’. Alongside our appealing and distinctive programmes, the station plans to become a valued source of training for local talent from the South Asian communities.
Radio India community radio licence application
Being close to our audience it is our aim to involve people in what we do all the time. Traditional methods like phone-ins, texts and emails will be augmented by our various social media channels including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. We aim to bring the different sectors of the South Asian communities together building community cohesion through our programmes and outreach initiatives. Radio India will operate an ‘open door’ policy for local community and charity groups providing an opportunity to gain publicity whilst contributing to our output. As a commercial organisation we will offer local businesses the opportunity to reach out and promote themselves to Dudley’s South Asian communities with a range of affordable sponsorship and advertising packages. We also plan to regularly broadcast from locations other than our studio using radio’s strengths in being able to reach out to all corners of our broadcast area.
D: How will your proposed community radio service add to the range of programmes available on non- BBC local services (commercial and community stations) to members of the relevant community or communities, add to the overall range of such services in the area concerned and be different and distinct from them? Please tell us which non-BBC local services your station will overlap with. Answer in fewer than 400 words:
The area is well-served by commercial radio with all the quasi-national brands represented. There will be total or near total overlap with all the following stations: • Heart – West Midlands (Global) “A mainstream popular music-led service for 25 to 44 year- old West Midlanders”. • Smooth – West Midlands (Global) “An easy listening station, featuring lifestyle orientated speech, primarily targeting listeners in the West Midlands area aged 50 plus”. • Absolute Radio – West Midlands (Bauer) “A rock-orientated station combining new music with classic album tracks aimed at 25-44 year olds”. • Free Radio – Black Country (Bauer) “A locally oriented mainstream popular music and information station for under 44s in the Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury and Telford area”. • Free Radio 80s – Black Country (Bauer) “A classic pop hits station, with local information and occasional local sports coverage, targeted primarily at 35-54 year-olds in the Wolverhampton area”. There will be no duplication of content with any of the above radio services which are all music-driven and targeted at a wide general audience over a large area. • Radio XL – West Midlands The long-established regional AM station Radio XL can be heard throughout the proposed Radio India broadcast area. Whilst there may be some duplication of music, Radio XL serves a huge area and offers nothing by way of social gain or direct learning. It broadcasts predominantly in Hindi and Urdu and has far less linguistic depth than our proposed service. However, the single most fundamental difference is that Radio XL is based in Birmingham and has a Birmingham-centric editorial outlook whereas Radio India will broadcast from the heart of the area we intend to serve with programming totally focused on Dudley Borough. There is partial geographical overlap with the following services: • Signal 107 – Wolverhampton (Wireless Group) “A community-oriented, broad music station for Wolverhampton, aimed at 25 to 54 year-olds”. • WCR – Wolverhampton • Raaj FM – Sandwell. A station for the Panjabi community in the Sandwell area and its programmes are targeted for this community. • Gulshan Radio – Wolverhampton • Black Country Radio – Stourbridge There may be some similarities with Wolverhampton’s Gulshan Radio and Raaj FM to the east but, again, we would point to the fact that our service will be unique to Dudley Borough in terms of content, personalities and appeal.
Radio India community radio licence application
Approximate Station Overlaps
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
1 See Article 2(3) of the Community Radio Order 2004 and Ofcom’s Notes of guidance for community radio applicants and licensees.
Radio India community radio licence application
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 India will provide Dudley’s South Asian communities with an informative, entertaining and uniquely relevant local radio service. We will involve and engage with our distinct and diverse communities, acting as a unifying force and cutting across the cultures, ethnicities and religions. We aim to become a lively community hub, offering meaningful opportunities to members of the South Asian communities to mix and collaborate either as team members or as one of our multitude of volunteers. Reflecting and Encouraging Diversity of Culture Dudley has a rich and diverse cultural heritage which is entirely unique to the Borough. A wide range of languages can be heard in shops, schools and workplaces, spoken by people with distinct religious, cultural and social identities. This diversity transcends all facets of daily life – from religious events to cultural festivals to music, fashion and food. Radio India will celebrate this diversity through music, cultural features, and special programming broadcast by – and for – Dudley’s South Asian communities. The station will be a mirror on local life and the mix of languages on air will closely reflect those heard in everyday life. This will serve to promote cultural diversity as a hallmark of the Borough and promote a better understanding of the different ways of life, thereby encouraging a greater cultural and social mix. A Force for Social Cohesion Historically, Dudley’s diverse racial and cultural groups co-existed in their respective self-imposed enclaves with little social interaction. With each new generation these barriers are naturally eroded leading to greater cohesion between Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. Radio India will accelerate that process by integrating the cultures and offering a warm welcome to listeners, staff and volunteers from all backgrounds and faiths. A core ambition of Radio India is to engender a greater level of informed discussion amongst the South Asian communities which will increase mutual awareness and understanding, leading to greater social cohesion within the Borough. This will be achieved primarily through our programming which will pro-actively bring people from the diverse cultural, ethnic and religious communities together for on air discussion. Affording local people from the South Asian communities the freedom to express opinion is central to our ethos. Community Radio has become recognised as a powerful means of discussing local issues, exploring the differences and similarities between communities and helping build greater strength and unity amongst those communities. Using debate and discussion to break down religious and cultural barriers and observing a solidly inter-faith perspective will underpin the programming strategy of Radio India. Radio India will become a valued addition to the social and media ecology of Dudley, helping bring the tradition of segregated, parallel community co-existence to an end. Accessible and Actionable Information Radio India will make information readily accessible to our target communities with support material appearing on our website. This information will cover health issues, benefits advice, training and educational opportunities, job vacancies etc. All the areas where people need information in order to fully participate in community life. We will work with a wide range of public and voluntary sector organisations – Dudley Borough Council, the NHS, social housing, educational establishments, community projects, etc. to ensure that they use Radio India fully to reach the Borough’s South Asian communities. A ‘Voice’ for the Community As well as inter-ethnic and cross-faith discussion, Radio India will highlight the more general local issues and concerns which impact on the quality of life in Dudley. These will include: • Health Care • Crime and Disorder • Education • Disability
Radio India community radio licence application
• Discrimination • Employment • Homelessness • Family Finance • Public Services • Social Infrastructure In the tradition of early ILR, Radio India will invite representatives from different agencies and organisations to participate in general weekday programming on a rota basis. During each visit our guests will give out topical, relevant information and respond to questions fed-in by listeners via email, text and social media. We will exercise care in ensuring that groups who may feel underrepresented in media and within the community receive a fair share of voice. Identifying and Developing Local Talent Radio India will have a proactive policy of identifying and promoting local talent in music, performance and other walks of life. We will also provide a route into broadcasting for those seeking to embark upon a career in media. One of our key ambitions for Year Two is the establishment of a Radio India Broadcasting Academy which will provide experience, training and support in a range of disciplines including presentation, production, news gathering, social media, technical skills and radio station management. Music as a Unifying Force There will be a special focus on promoting popular music from the UKs Asian Music industry but also music from the Indian subcontinent through local and visiting musicians. Radio India’s uniquely creative and innovative programming will open up opportunities to explore cross cultural themes and their impact for bringing cultures and communities closer together. Radio India will encourage audiences from different communities to share and enjoy the rich array and legacy of music that different communities have brought to Dudley and the Black Country. We see music as a vital connecting strand bringing different communities together in friendship. Active citizenship Radio India will publicise and promote opportunities for members of Dudley’s South Asian communities to engage fully in public life. We will pro-actively help people to understand decision making processes and the workings of local government, empowering them to participate in the democratic processes. Volunteering Radio India will promote volunteering as a key way for South Asian people to move towards employability or further training and education, developing a range of life skills - and aspirations - through their involvement with the station. Summary Radio India aims to address the needs of Dudley’s South Asian communities and become a focal point for grass roots activity and interaction. We have identified countless individuals who have so much to offer the community but do not have a platform from which to influence society in a more positive and inspirational manner. Radio India will become that platform enabling our listeners to deliver the much needed and anticipated social gain that can come from giving a dedicated voice to the South Asian communities.
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.
Radio India community radio licence application
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 principles of participation, openness and honesty are enshrined within Radio India’s mission statement. We will encourage beneficiary participation and consultation through general membership and via the links and partnerships with local groups, societies and business organisations. We will promote and encourage the discussion of issues affecting the South Asian communities and believe the radio station will rapidly become a valued media resource in the Borough. Our ‘open-door’ policy will enable that discussion process via studio guests, phone-ins, email, text and our social media channels.
Each day during ‘Baatacheet’ key members of the community will be on hand to engage in debate and discussion including, where appropriate, dealing with questions submitted by listeners. As well as topical and ad hoc features, we will introduce a schedule of advice slots with regular studio guests from around our broadcast area each specialising in a different topic. These features will run in the middle of the day becoming hallmark characteristics of the station on weekdays. Topics and guests will be continually reviewed, but regular issues are likely to include: • Dealing with offending, anti-social behaviour and underachievement in the community • Education and Literacy • Family values, Parenting, Child Support • Housing and Benefits advice • Care for the Elderly • South Asian Women’s Issues • Health, Leisure and wellbeing • South Asian Heritage, Arts and Cultural Values • Legal Matters • Travel and Leisure • Style and fashion • Relationships • Careers • Business and Enterprise • ‘India Inspiration’ - extended interviews with successful people from South Asia; e.g. community leaders, politicians, celebrities, and young community activists We will be proactive in reaching out to these guests and contributors providing unprecedented levels of access and participation to local media. We will have regular meetings with the local target community to discuss their needs, aspirations and that will be incorporated into our programming policy. There will also be meetings with members from all faiths to explore how Radio India can provide vital support and become a pillar promoting social and community cohesion. There will be specific opportunities for local businesses to utilise Radio India to generate business. We plan to offer places for 30-40 volunteers in Year One. Our volunteers will be sourced from the local community, schools and colleges, places of faith and business.
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 India community radio licence application
Radio India will offer an open and inclusive membership scheme to accommodate our target audience helping improve the quality and range of affordable, accessible options available to the South Asian communities of Dudley Borough. We will welcome people of all ages, origins and abilities with special provision for senior learners, young people and those for whom English is not a first language. Our facilities have been designed to accommodate the needs of the disabled. We will source advice from the community and social groups on how best to improve accessibility over time. Our training programmes will range from short taster sessions to accredited training projects. Participants will gain access to a variety of skills including radio production, presentation techniques and technical insight. Facilities at our studios that will be made available to members include broadcast standard studios, specialist editing software and high-speed internet. Childcare provisions will be made available upon request in advance. We will commence formal training for potential on-air and support roles three months in advance of launch. A quota of up to 8 trainees/volunteers per month will receive an induction on basic radio skills including simple editing, essential law, Ofcom compliance and the Fundamental Rules for good broadcasting. They will receive training on and supervised access to portable recording equipment and elementary production resources. All training will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that the original objectives and quality standards are being met. This process will be also used to make improvements to the training. We will work with a range of experienced professional presenters and community volunteers keen to learn and participate in Radio presenting. Our Chair, Kulwant Singh Kooner, will work with schools and get students involved in discussing educational issues, aspirations and daily demands of being young. He will also work with local colleges to provide apprentices and their work at the station could be assessed and linked to an NVQ or Media related qualification. Volunteers from the Radio station will also have an opportunity to work with Bill Media to learn Videography, Photography, Creative editing, working in partnership with the media faculty at Dudley College which will assess the work and provide accreditations.
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 India will ensure that the station is accountable to the communities it is licenced to serve by constantly reviewing and modifying the operation based on information received via a range of feedback channels: • A Local Advisory Panel • Online and on-street Listener Surveys • Media Forums • Evaluation Forms (Completed by users of the service) • Monitoring/discussion with user service providers/ volunteers/ users of our mission statement • Comments fed-in via our website and social media channels The Directors will recruit an independent ‘Advisory Panel’ drawn from representatives of all communities, all faiths, no faith, students, politicians, celebrities and business, to monitor the station
Radio India community radio licence application
and provide feedback on a regular basis. The panel will comprise a representative cross section of the South Asian communities with members from across Dudley Borough. Station management will meet with the Panel members quarterly and the action points from each meeting will be circulated to Trustees. We will encourage comment and feedback from individual listeners, community groups and organisations by 'phone, email, SMS, social media channels and the Radio India website, where a ‘Listener Feedback’ section will be clearly signposted. We will proactively engage with local South Asian community groups to form media partnerships enabling the station to add value to their work. We aim to nurture a range of mutual agreements working together for the benefit of Dudley’s South Asian communities. We will hold an annual Public Meeting during which our Board of Directors will invite station management team to present their annual report on issues, achievements and future plans. At least once per quarter we will organise Media Forum events at venues across the Borough. Attended by station management, these will enable members of the public to ask questions and make suggestions. Any member of the target community may attend the Public Meeting and Media Forums. All participants in the service will be encouraged to complete a short survey contained in an Evaluation Form, copies of which will be available from our reception area and distributed at outside events. The form will also be made available as a download from our station website. We will implement and enforce a thorough complaints and grievance policy. This will cover equality and fairness, editorial policy of the radio station, privacy and programme standards. We will use our radio broadcasts, station web site and social media channels to advertise the many opportunities available for volunteers at Radio India, including the various training programmes that are available.
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 India [As in section 1 of this application] Licence area [State the proposed coverage area as Dudley Metropolitan Borough set out in section 3 of this form.] Description of character of service [Describe in no more than 80 words in total]: • Radio India will serve the South Asian communities of Dudley Borough and surrounding areas. • Our mission is to provide a relevant, entertaining radio service and offer a voice to those communities, encouraging integration, understanding and collaboration between all nationalities and faiths. • We will become a lively community hub, providing meaningful opportunities to members of the South Asian communities to participate, mix and collaborate either as team members or as one of our multitude of volunteers.
The service broadcasts: [these bullet points should be a summary of the answers you have given in section 4 of this form]: • The main types of music broadcast over the course of each week will be Classic and Contemporary
Radio India community radio licence application
Bhangra, Classic Bollywood, Hindi, Gazal and Contemporary Bollywood. More specialised genres will be featured during evenings and at weekends. • The main types of speech output broadcast over the course of each week will include issue-related features and interviews along with participatory programming on relevant community issues. The Borough’s South Asian Performing Arts and Culture, Business and Sport will also be celebrated. • Over the course of each week programming will be mainly in English but we will include output in a range of community languages including Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, and Urdu. • The service provides original output for a minimum of 10 hours per day. • The service provides locally-produced output for a minimum of 12 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 India
Date of registration: 2nd October 2017
Company registration number: 10990246
Type of company (or other body corporate): Private Company Limited by Guarantee
Radio India community radio licence application
Where your body is not a company, please explain how it meets the requirement to be a body 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.
Radio India Limited has been formed to operate the radio station. The company was founded by Kulwant Kooner along with fellow launch Directors Kuldip Wouhra, Jagir Dudrah, Tarlochan Bilga, and Kulwant Bhamrah. Radio India will be controlled by a station Management Committee comprising members of the Board and the local community. Membership of the Committee will be reviewed at the Company’s AGM.
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). Answer:
The Directors of Radio India are: • Managing Director: Mr. Kulwant Kooner (AKA Bill Kooner) • Chairman: Mr. Kuldip Wouhra MBE (AKA Tony Wouhra) • Station Manager: Mrs Narinder Choranji • Programming Manager: Mr. Tarlochan Bilga • Sales Manager: Mr. Kulwant Bhamrah • Mr. Jagir Dudrah
Radio India community radio licence application
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 of Director: Mr. Kuldip Wouhra MBE (AKA Tony Wouhra) Proposed Role: Chairman Employment: Chairman, East End Foods Plc Other directorships: 13 appointments at 13 active companies
Name of Director: Mr. Kulwant Kooner (AKA Bill Kooner) Proposed Role: Managing Director Employment: Director, Music Minds Limited Other directorships: 2 appointments at 2 active companies
Name of Director: Mr. Jagir Dudrah Proposed Role: Director Employment: Director, Midland Plating Company Limited Other directorships: 5 appointments at 5 active companies
Name of Director: Mr. Tarlochan Bilga Proposed Role: Director Employment: Director, Music 4U Other directorships: Chairman, Bilga General Hospital Trust
Name of Director: Mr. Kulwant Bhamrah Proposed Role: Director Employment: Singer, songwriter, recording artist and performer Other directorships: None
Name of Director: Mrs. Narinder Choranji Proposed Role: Director Employment: Radio Presenter/Producer/Video Editor/Director 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.
Radio India community radio licence application
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):
Radio India – Organisational Chart
The Company benefits from being able to call upon the services of a local Board of Directors with a combined 100+ years of media experience. Founder and Managing Director, Kulwant Kooner, will support daily operations, with additional input on marketing, recruitment and community cohesion. Day-to-day control of operations rests with the Station Manager, Mrs. Narinder Choranji. This is a full- time paid position. Revenue generation will be the responsibility of Sales Director, Mr. Kulwant Bhamrah. This is a full- time paid position. Programming management will be overseen by Mr. Tarlochan Bilga. This is an unpaid part time position.
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 nucleus of what has become the Radio India Board has a long heritage. Radio India’s Managing Director, Kulwant Kooner, has been heavily involved in the media industry for over 25 years.
Radio India community radio licence application
Throughout that time he has worked closely with Tony Deep Wouhra of East End plc. whilst maintaining a strong working relationship with Jagir Dudrah and Tarlochan Bilga. Kulwant watched with interest as the West Midlands’ media landscape became increasingly developed. Frustrated by the concentration of formats aimed at broad-based general audiences Kulwant grew increasingly vocal in expressing his view that the radio choice for South Asians in Dudley Borough remained poor compared with other parts of the region and the UK as a whole. When a close friend, Jas Dhesi, successfully led the bid for a community radio station in Coventry, Kulwant saw an opportunity to follow that lead by creating a dedicated South Asian station for Dudley Borough. In the autumn of 2016 Kulwant called an informal meeting of his like-minded media friends and presented his vision for Radio India. After receiving a standing ovation Kulwant proposed the formation of a steering group to oversee the licence application process. Radio India was born.
B. Please summarise the group’s broadcasting experience (e.g. internet radio, Restricted Service Licences (RSLs)). Answer in fewer than 150 words:
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: Radio India Managing Director and Founder, Kulwant Kooner, has been involved in fund raising for various charities over a number of years. This work includes photography, videography, contributing financially and helping in raising the profiles of the charities and creating voice for their cause. (Healthy Hearts, Divine Onkar Mission, The Bilga General Hospital Trust UK, and The Sikh Federation UK).
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: Kulwant Kooner’s media career began in 1990 as a wedding videographer. He moved into niche TV production working on numerous commercial projects before establishing his own company, Bill Media. Kulwant has built up a wide range of partnerships over the years, working with TV and Film organisations in the UK and India. He is a member of BAVA, and works collaboratively with other media companies including Gulshan Radio, Radio XL, and Radio Panj. Narinder Choranji joined BBC Asian Network in 1993 where she cut her teeth in broadcasting management. She later moved to TVA, an international Asian language radio station where she became Programming Manager with responsibility for all aspects of the station. Narinder maintains an avid interest in radio, TV and social media as she understands and appreciates the power of media in society. She is a huge asset to Radio India at this exciting time.
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
Radio India community radio licence application
• 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:
Demand for Service During September and October 2017 we conducted an online survey to establish the demand for our proposed service and help refine our music and programming plans. We asked: “Do you agree that Dudley's south Asian communities are under-served by existing radio stations?”
Source: Online Research 2017 91% of respondents either “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that Dudley's south Asian communities are under-served by existing radio stations. Musical Preferences
Radio India community radio licence application
Source: Online Research 2017 The most popular genres were Classic and Contemporary Bhangra, Classic Bollywood and Hindi. These will, therefore, form the backbone of our general music policy with Gazal and Contemporary Bollywood also appearing prominently based on these findings. Less popular genres included music of Gujarati and Bangladeshi origin, Western Pop/Classic Hits and R’n’B. Accordingly, these will be excluded from general play although they may feature in specialist programming. Content Preferences
Source: Online Research 2017 We suggested a range of content types and asked whether these were considered to be important elements for a new community station serving Dudley’s South Asian population. Unsurprisingly News was a key requirement but, interestingly, it is local and national UK news that people want rather than news from the Indian sub-continent. We were extremely encouraged by the level of interest in the content we have been working to deliver; Help & Advice, Discussions & Debates, Dealing with anti- social behaviour, etc. Phone-ins are considered increasingly unimportant in the social media age and our research confirms this. Support for a New Radio Station
Source: Online Research 2017
Radio India community radio licence application
The most encouraging statistic to come from our research is that when asked “How likely would you be to listen” to the new station for South Asians in Dudley 96.4% of respondents said that they would “probably” or “definitely” listen. Letters of Support We have been heartened by the level of support for this application and a number of letters of support for a full time radio station are enclosed with our application. Included are powerfully-worded messages from the following key individuals: • Malkit Singh MBE • R Kumar QPM • Mak Gurmukh, Labour Councillor for Springvale Ward • R Plaha Radio India has strong relationships and support from across many different organisations, including local charities and the voluntary community sector which we work in close collaboration with. Letters received include: • Sikh Federation (UK) • Divine Onkar Mission • Music 4U • Bilga General Hospital Charitable Trust • Good News Asian Church • Sandwell Confederation of Indians
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). 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.
Radio India community radio licence application
20. Year 1 financial information – commercial activities on air Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.
21. Pre-launch financial information - contingency
If there is a shortfall between pre-launch predicted income and outgoings, please explain below how you would expect to cover any outstanding costs.
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.
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.
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:
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/
Radio India community radio licence application
25. Engineering information Waveband: This application is for an FM licence Yes Do you understand the requirements for FM (VHF) and have you incorporated these below and in, for example, Yes your start-up and other costs, detailed earlier?
Transmission site What is the postal address and post code: Charlton House, 51, New address: Street Dudley DY1 1LU. National Grid The NGR is a reference code comprising two letters and Reference (NGR): two groups of three numbers (e.g. SW 123 456). It is SO 944 904 available from Ordnance Survey. What is the height of the site, in metres, Above Ordnance 201.1 m Datum (AOD)? In metres, what is the total height of the mast / building 12.05m Above Ground level (AGL)? About the site’s What is the height, in metres, of the transmitting antenna 2m dimensions: AGL? Please supply photographs of the transmitter mast / Tick if enclosed building and aerial location. Is this site already used for broadcasting and if so by No whom? About the Delete as appropriate the yes/no answers which describe transmission site: your situation regarding proposed site (it may be that you cannot answer all four questions): Site identified? Yes Transmission site Provisional agreement with site owner in place? Yes availability: Or under negotiation? Other – please specify. Applicant group owns site? No
(Note: we cannot consider an application if no site has been identified.)
MCA - Field Strength Projection
Radio India community radio licence application
Radio India - Engineering Brief Prepared by Ian Hickling from Transplan UK who, on award of licence, will provide all installation and commissioning work.
Aerial type and radiation pattern For omnidirectional coverage we propose to use the Amphenol model 7860 Lindenblad format mixed polarity antenna with a gain of -0,5dBd, which is produced by Amphenol Antenna Solutions. If minimal coverage is required in any particular direction, we can modify this to an Amphenol Model 7049 inclined yagi antenna with a forward gain.
Mixed-polarity Antenna types
Accessibility of Equipment Full 24-hr access is available to the transmitter site.
Security statement Monitoring points are provided on the front panel of the exciter. EME Directional Coupler line with the antenna for monitoring purposes. Metering is available at all times to check power and deviation levels.
Link system from Studio to TX site There is Internet connectivity at both locations, so our options are as follows: • Internet-based IP digital link or • A wholly owned digital 5.8GHz microwave link.
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: Bill Kooner Email: [email protected] Website:
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
Radio India community radio licence application
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
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;
Radio India community radio licence application
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.
Kulwant Kooner (Name of person) Chair (Title or position in the applicant group)
23rd October 2017 (Date)
Please return this form and any additional electronic information by email to: [email protected] If there is any paper-based material associated with this application, please send it to: Community Radio Licensing Team, 5th Floor Ofcom Riverside House 2A Southwark Bridge Road London SE1 9HA Please make sure you keep a copy of this form for your records.