FM community radio licence application form

1. Station Name Guidance Notes What is the proposed station name? This is the name you expect to use to identify the station on air.

Caithness FM

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:

Caithness FM (CFM) has been operating for 19 years under the auspices of commercial radio station Firth Radio (MFR),. Our application therefore is to continue in our present mode. We broadcast on 102.5 MHz from our studio in Thurso via a microwave link to Ben Dorrery (14km) and use MFR as a sustaining service when we are off air. Due to the terrain (and the MFR output power), our coverage is larger than normal for a community radio station, we would like to retain and if possible extend this since our target audience is the county of Caithness. The Caithness population at the 2011 census was 39,732, 52.5 % of which are over 45 years of age, with 21.4% being over 65. 99.3% of the population are “White British”. The county has an area of 1,805 sq km and a population density of 14.4/sq km. In terms of socio-economics, Caithness has several areas of multiple deprivation, in Thurso (14 km), Castletown (20 km), Wick (29 km) and Lybster (30 km). All distances from transmitter mast at Ben Dorrery, ND 065 550. Caithness has two main towns: Thurso 7,933 and Wick 7155 population. The bulk of the population (around 11,000) therefore live in the landward area, mainly agricultural holdings and small villages with large unpopulated areas in between. In order to reach the populated areas of the county it is imperative that we retain our existing coverage.

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

Our main priority is to inform and entertain listeners across the county of Caithness and North Sutherland, in small rural areas as well as the larger urban areas because we understand that there

Caithness FM community radio licence application form

to be significant difficulties regarding transport and communication especially to the large portion of our population which is over 65 and also to the 25.9% who are under 24. We would like, therefore, to continue to reach these people by continuing to broadcast to the area we currently reach through our 102.5 licence. It is our intention to continue to use MFR as a sustaining service and plans are in place to share equipment with them on Ben Dorrery. There are no local BBC services or other community radio stations in this area and the only commercial station is MFR.

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 will judge you against. It services provided in the area concerned; and should include a summary of your proposed (iv) have a distinct nature, or provide distinct content, programme output as set out below and reflect your from any non-BBC local services with which it would commitment to cater for relevant tastes and interests, overlap. to broaden the range of relevant programmes and Ofcom is required to consider the extent to which an services and to provide a service with a distinct applicant’s proposals will cater for the tastes and nature and content as set out in the Guidance Notes interests of members of its target community or in the column opposite. communities. Ofcom is also required to consider the extent to which proposals for a community radio station would broaden the range of programmes available by way of non-BBC local services (both commercial and community stations) in the area concerned (especially, the extent to which a proposed service would have a distinct nature or provide distinct content from any overlapping non-BBC local services). The information given here should be more detailed than what you set out in your draft key commitments (later in this form), and will help us gain a fuller understanding of how you will serve your target community and what the station will sound like.

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Community radio application form

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:

CFM has been broadcasting for over 19 years and has an already defined output which has changed over the years to reflect the listening preference of our listeners. We have already seen that we have a mainly aging population and this is reflected in the choice of music played on the station. The most popular shows being Scottish music and Country music. Overall our music includes Scottish, Country, Rock, Jazz, Current Pop, 50s/60s/70s pop, Americana, Hip-hop/Blues, Indie/punk. The main speech elements are a twice-weekly ‘What’s On’ diary of community events, news (from MFR) and a ‘Community Profile’ where local charities and voluntary groups are interviewed. We also include studio guests and live music in many shows. We also attend local events such as Galas and Games and broadcast live from the field using our outside broadcast unit. We are pleased to present community safety announcements such as road closures, etc. as required. We run an annual quiz which is broadcast for an hour one evening for 9 weeks, as well as many small competitions. Music to speech ratio is currently approximately 15-20% Our schedule is set quarterly to suit availability of our presenters. Each night of the week has a different mix of music and chat. All of our output is live, no pre-recorded or repeat material unless we have attended and recorded a local music event or interview, for example. Broadcast is in English and is all local which makes us totally different from our commercial colleagues MFR who, as part of the Bauer Group, broadcasts programmes from the central belt and are mainly Pop lead.

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

Neil Gunn Drive, Thurso Caithness KW14 7QU Highland.

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:

Our experience over the last 19 years leads us to believe that we already do cater for the tastes of our listeners. Market research is notoriously difficult, we have attempted to do it in the past but we know from audience participation, requests, dedications etc and from social media that Country, Scottish and popular music are well received and require a receptionist to handle calls. Feedback is always welcome and comments can be left on our Facebook page and website. Community groups who ask us to promote their events or are interviewed on air tell us that they value our service.

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

Caithness FM community radio licence application form

distinct from them? Please tell us which non-BBC local services your station will overlap with. Answer in fewer than 400 words:

We have no competition locally for the type of output we provide. There are no other community broadcast stations in our area. Commercial station MFR is almost entirely playlist pop music with the occasional quiz or competition and often nationally driven from the central belt of with many adverts which are not always relevant to this area. We feel that CFM could serve the business community of Caithness by providing local adverts for local business which will reach local people as well as local interest programmes, interviews with Caithness people, instant local road and weather reports and features on local job opportunities as well as continual free promotion of local voluntary groups, charities and local talent/

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, (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. Answer in fewer than 1,500 words: Our area is very low population density and thus there are many listeners of all ages who may be socially isolated. A local radio voice which is responsive to local needs and interests provides something not otherwise available. As stated before, we support the local community in numerous ways, via dissemination of information and helping with their fundraising. For the last 20 years we have held a Christmas toy appeal for disadvantaged children in our community which rivals the efforts of commercial radio station MFR. The value of this is difficult to

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

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Community radio application form

quantify but we try to ensure that no child goes without at Christmas. The toys and other items are distributed via our local council social work department, who very much appreciate it. We have an ongoing training programme for new and aspiring presenters and this provides a much needed confidence booster for many of our volunteers who often go on to other careers. We have also formed links with local schools, drama groups, local authors, poets and youth groups to research and provide programmes. The following are quotes from some local organisations which we believe show that our services are appreciated by our listeners: “CFM can broadcast direct to the local community supply a myrid of local information which can only be to the benefit of the local community. These are the kind of enterprises that we should be encouraging within the scattered and rural communities of the North Highlands – Local people working for local communities” - Rhoda Grant MSP “Caithness FM is staffed by volunteers who provide a first class service to those local in the surrounding area. I think this is an excellent initiative and one which I fully support. “ David Stewart MSP “Local stations such as these are vital not only in providing effective, localised information and news but also in reflecting the distinct identity of the community they serve and bringing people together” Nicola Sinclair – Member of Highland Council “For over eleven years I have been a regular participant on the weekly Community Profile Slot. I have found the volunteer presenters to be friendly and professional in their interviewing of local groups. This local radio service is an invaluable asset to the local community and I support it fully” C Patterson – Voluntary Development Officer “The station has always been a direct benefit to our organisation letting us speak directly to the local public about our objectives and events.” G MacDonald Chairman Thurso Town Improvements “thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to take part in the “cultural Olympics” by broadcasting our play , Great Shakes. We have had some good listener feedback and hope you have too” D Imrie Director Thurso Players. Since CFM first aired, we have participated in many events including local music festivals, the national MOD, broadcasting Scottish Executive messages, emergency messages and much more. We offer free promotion of other groups and have strong relationships with many other organisations within our area. The proposed changes to our licence would enable us to attend more live events during hours which would previously have been covered by MFR. It is our intention to continue to forge links with local schools and increase the role of the station in promoting tourism especially given the success of the North Coast 500 route which is attracting more and more visitors to this area.

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?

We currently have around 22 active volunteers and 30 members from the local area. Each volunteer

Caithness FM community radio licence application form

1 to 5 hours per week, varying as relief stand-ins are required to cover absence. This will total around 40 person-hours per week. In addition the 7 member board meets regularly to ensure the smooth running and scheduling of the station. Other volunteer work as previously stated includes the mundane such as grass-cutting, decorating, building repairs and equipment maintenance. This probably totals 6 person-hours per week. The management committee is made up of 7 elected members of the organisation and is chosen annually at our AGM, however there are members of our management team who have held their positons for the full lifetime of the station which brings experience and continuity to the organisation. We have the ability to co-opt members as required and to form sub-committees for various projects should these be necessary. We require our volunteers to become members of the organisation and to attend the studio to present their shows. We have portable equipment which can and is used to record live events and interviews and is then incorporated into a regular show, all with community participation. All of our material is locally produced. We regularly meet with our presenters and ask for feedback from them as well as from our listeners. All of those involved in preparing and presenting our programmes are volunteers. The CFM membership is open to anyone living in the Caithness area, and contact details are published weekly in the local press as well as on social media and of course on air.

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:

We have equalities policies in place and treat each applicant fairly. Our building is fully disabled access compliant. We have a training programme which lasts for approximately 6 training sessions for anyone wishing to become a presenter etc, although people can apply for non-participatory membership if they have an interest in the work of the station. Our training is currently hampered by the fact we have only one broadcasting studio, however our trainer tries to ensure that each volunteer receives a full training programme with regular refresher courses as and when required. We have space available to host a second training suite and have recently obtained a set of equipment from the now defunct local hospital radio station which we hope to be able to use to extend the hours that training can be provided making training more accessible to new participants. We welcome access to any community individual or group but we do not broadcast any religious or political material. Community groups are welcome to produce segments for inclusion in shows and are given access to our premises, in fact our facilities have in the past been used to produce local newspapers for the blind until they were able to set up on their own. We actively encourage local groups, especially youth groups, to visit the studio regularily.

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

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Community radio application form

• influence the operation of the service? community (or communities) the service is intended to How will suggestions or criticisms from members of serve. your target community (or communities) be Ofcom is required to have regard to the provision each considered and acted upon? applicant proposes to make in order to ensure its Your draft ‘key commitments’ (later in this form) accountability to the relevant community (or should include a summary of your proposed communities). accountability measures as set out below. Answer in fewer than 500 words:

Members of the public can make contact with us via our phone line, email, Facebook page or website Over the years we have found that the local grapevine is a particularly effective method of feedback in Caithness – if a presenter makes a mistake – he will hear all about it next day! In recent years the growth of social media has allowed us to hear instantly what our listeners think of our output and respond quickly to any queries or requests for information. We rarely get criticisms or suggestions from the community but are open to any discussion. Any such information received would be discussed at our regular board meetings and a response given or action taken. We have an internal suggestion scheme for members. As a limited company we hold AGMs but these are member-only events. We have held public meetings in the past. Should our licence be granted it is our intention to re-launch the station and to involve all the community groups we work with in this to reach as many members of the public as possible.

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 Caithness FM [As in section 1 of this application] Licence area [State the proposed coverage area as Caithness and North Sutherland set out in section 3 of this form.] Description of character of service [Describe in no more than 80 words in total]: - the target community/communities [describe the community or communities you will serve; this should be a summary of your answer in section 2 of this form]: - All of Caithness & North Sutherland - the main purpose of the service: - Provision of entertainment and communication specific to Caithness - the station’s primary functions or activities. - To provide a wide array of music, chat and local information

The service broadcasts: [these bullet points should be a summary of the answers you have given in section 4 of this form]:

Caithness FM community radio licence application form

• Music. The main types of music2 broadcast over the course of each week are: Scottish, Country, Rock, Jazz, Pop, Nostalgia pop, Americana, Hip-hop/Blues, Indie/punk. • Speech. The main types of speech output3 broadcast over the course of each week are: [describe the speech output in a maximum of 30 words]

local events, interviews, public announcements, job opportunities, promotion of talent and voluntary organisations. News, Events diary, community interviews. • Over the course of each week programming is broadcast in [list all language(s) other than English, if relevant]

English

• The service provides original output4 for a minimum of five hours per day. [What are the minimum hours per day that the service will broadcast original output?] five hours per day seven days a week • The service provides locally-produced output5 for a minimum of five hours per day. [What are the minimum hours per day that the service will broadcast locally-produced output?] • a minimum of five hours per day seven days a week locally produced programmes • Provide a free and accessible forum for other local groups • Ease of public service announcements • Provide training for other groups and individuals as required • Reflect the tastes and wishes of our community • Support local businesses [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 application proposals).]

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.

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Community radio application form

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: Caithness FM Ltd

Date of registration: May 1998

Company registration number: SC185596

Type of company (or other body corporate): Company limited by guarantee

Where your body is not a company, please explain how it meets the requirement to be a body 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.

The company is owned jointly by the members, who elect a board of directors annually, see below. There are no other shareholders. CFM is a company limited by guarantee

Caithness FM community radio licence application form

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).

All members are volunteers, we have no paid members of staff Board: Company Secretary: Jackie Johnson – responsible for day-to-day running of the station Chairman: Robin Young – responsible for committee matters and maintenance Vice-Chairman: Roger Saxon – provides support to the Chairman and Secretary, deals with membership issues Treasurer: Barbara Saxon – financial responsibility Committee 1: Bob Johnson – responsible for technical support and training Committee 2: Barbara Bain - responsible for scheduling and programming matters Committee 3: Alistair Murray – No defined responsibilities, assists with promotion, marketing etc Co-opted members: Iain Teven – IT support Anthony West-Samuel – Technical support

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]).

Jackie Johnson Employment: office manager Other directorships: none Relevant experience or qualifications: HND in Business Management, 19 years experience in community radio, 10 years experience in hospital radio

Bob Johnson Employment: programmer

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Community radio application form

Other directorships: none Relevant experience or qualifications: HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering, 19 years experience in community radio and 15 years experience in hospital radio, former Chairman of the local hospital charitable radio station

Roger Saxon Employment: Retired Other directorships: None Relevant experience or qualifications: BA (Hons)

Barbara Saxon Employment: Retired Other directorships: none Relevant experience or qualifications: BA (Hons)

Robin Young Employment: Retired Other directorships: none Relevant experience or qualifications: Over ten years’ experience in local community radio

Barbara Bain Employment: Retired Other directorships: none Relevant experience or qualifications: Over fifteen year’s experience in local community radio

Alastair Murray Employment: marketing Other directorships: Atlantic Consultants, Big Box Network, VE Energy, Northlands Creative Glass Relevant experience or qualifications: Over fifteen years’ experience in local community radio. BSc Hons, DipM, MBA, FCIM, Chartered Marketer. Creative industry experience in film production, ex director of Community Media Lobbying, Business development/marketing and sales.

If any individuals (not necessarily directors) have been identified for management roles please state what experience identified individuals have to undertake the role in question.

13. Staffing structure Guidance Notes What is the staffing structure of your proposed radio The legislation requires that Ofcom has regard to the service? Provide a job title for each position and applicant’s ability to maintain the proposed service (as indicate whether the individual will be paid or will well as to ensure the applicant is fit and proper to hold work in a voluntary capacity, will be full or part-time the licence). As well as its ownership, management and (indicate the number of hours for part-time posts). operations, the proposed staffing of the station is This may be provided as a diagram or organisation relevant to these considerations. chart. Answer in fewer than 400 words, plus organisation chart (optional):

All staff will be volunteers – we have no paid employees

Caithness FM community radio licence application form

The Company is run by a volunteer management committee which currently is made up of 7 directors elected annually at a general meeting. The board has the option to co-opt further members as required and may set up project specific sub-committees. Main roles are: Volunteer and business management: Jackie Johnson Programming: Barbara Bain Training and fundraising: Bob Johnson Building/ grounds maintenance: Robin Young Electrical and equipment maintenance: Bob Johnson Business development/Marketing: Alistair Murray IT maintenance: Ian Teven Technical Support: Anthony West-Samuel Finance – Barbara Saxon

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:

December 1992 – October 1993 public meetings held to gauge public interest. Caithness Community Radio Association formed and links formed with MFR. RSL undertaken for one month August 1994 second RSL took place, this time for two months September 1994 – March 1998 – premises purchased and renovated, funding put in place Autumn 1996 - Moray Firth Radio applied for the broadcasting licence for the Caithness Area., on the condition that they would support community radio in Caithness November 1996 Moray Firth Radio began broadcasting on 102.5 February 1998 Caithness Community Radio Association ceased to exist - was replaced with Caithness FM Ltd - a company limited by guarantee (charitable status not available for community radio in Scotland) 20 April 1998 - 7.00 pm Caithness FM took to the airwaves using equipment borrowed from Highland Council and MFR June 1998 New studio equipment purchased and installed. June 2000 An extension to the building allowed a new studio and record library to be opened. B. Please summarise the group’s broadcasting experience (e.g. internet radio, Restricted Service Licences (RSLs)). Answer in fewer than 150 words: In addition to the above, several members of Caithness FM are former Directors and presenters of local hospital radio (now defunct) C. Please summarise the relevant experience of the group or its members, in relevant non-broadcast areas (such as third sector, local business, fund-raising, training or education). Answer in fewer than 150 words:

All directors have been involved in the running of the station for a number of years. Some since the

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Community radio application form

first RSL, others from first broadcast. Roger Saxon -former councillor, has been a director of Homeaid (charity) Eden Court Theatre, Caithness Horizons,Thurso Youth Club. Former employment included electrical and electronic design Jackie Johnson - office manager (electrical contracting company); general secretary of a local sports and social club. Bob Johnson - electrician to trade, former Chairman of hospital radio Robin Young - retired security officer; active local musician. Barbara Bain – retired swimming pool attendant dealing with public Alistair Murray - marketing consultant and former college lecturer Anthony West Samuel - retired college lecturer (electrical and electronic engineering), “Ham” radio operator; technical support to live music society D. Please summarise the experience of key individuals in the applicant group (only if not already described above). Answer in fewer than 150 words:

Both Bob and Jackie Johnson are former directors of local hospital radio, three other members were also previously involved with the management of the hospital radio station.

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:

Caithness FM has been broadcasting for almost 20 years, it is a successful self-funded company and owns its own premises and equipment. The radio station could not have survived that long without the support of the local people and local businesses. We have long term links with other organisations and have the support of many as can be seen from the quotes inserted in section 5 above. We work with local youth groups and voluntary organisations and are solely responsible for the annual toy appeal for disadvantage children in this area. We have the support of our community or we could not have survived and thrived to become the community station we are today. “Caithness FM is not just a local radio station, it is a vital part of the local community . CFM has a direct role in the county, linked to local charities and community groups who would be much poorer if it was not the often unseen work that all the presenters past and present continue to do. Nearly a quarter of a century later the station is continuing bigger and better than ever before.”

Caithness FM community radio licence application form

A McIvor, Chairman Thurso Heritage Society. Our support in promoting local community activities throughout our broadcast area is regularly sought and we provide a source of free publicity for events and initiatives throughout Caithness. “As a development officer working in the Third Sector I am well aware of how valuable a resource Caithness FM is for voluntary groups in the county” A Tait – Senior Development Officer Caithness Voluntary Group, Wick We have letters of support from MSP’s, Local Councillors, Members of the Caithness Voluntary Group in Wick, Chairman of Thurso Heritage Society, Chairman of Thurso Town Improvements and from Thurso Players Drama Group - all are available on request. We currently have a small number of local companies who financially support CFM through sponsorship – some of these have been doing so since CFM went on air in 1998. Other local companies regularly provide us with goods or services free of charge (without being asked). We believe that, as CFM has survived for almost 20 years the organisation speaks for itself and that our success and continuity clearly shows we have the support of the local community both commercially and privately.

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.

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.

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Community radio application form

√ 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/ 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: Ben Dorrery, KW12 6YM address: (unpopulated) The NGR is a reference code comprising two letters and two groups of three numbers (e.g. SW 123 456). It is ND 062 550 available from Ordnance Survey. What is the height of the site, in metres, Above Ordnance Datum (AOD)? 224m above mean sea

Caithness FM community radio licence application form

level National Grid In metres, what is the total height of the mast / building Reference (NGR): Above Ground level (AGL)? 50m

About the site’s What is the height, in metres, of the transmitting antenna 1 antenna 16.1m and 1 dimensions: AGL? 19.2m AGL (belong to MFR) 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 MFR, local emergency whom? services and utilities 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 / No Transmission site Provisional agreement with site owner in place? Yes / No availability: Or under negotiation? Yes / No Applicant group owns site? Yes / No Other – please specify. Applicant group owns site? Yes / 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: Jackie Johnson Email: [email protected] Website: www.Caithnessfm.co.uk

27. Contact details for Ofcom Guidance Notes Provide the name of the person who will be Ofcom’s Ofcom will need to contact your group in relation to this primary contact and their contact details: application. PLEASE ENSURE YOU ADVISE OFCOM OF ANY CHANGES TO YOUR CONTACT DETAILS

Concluding declaration: 28. Declaration APPLICANT’S, DIRECTORS’ AND OWNERS’ OTHER INTERESTS 1. In relation to the applicant and any body’s and/or individuals whose details are given in sections 11, 12 and 13 of this application, please state whether the applicant, any body or individual is (and if so identify that body or individual) involved in any of the activities set out in the table below, and the extent of the involvement or interest. For these purposes, the applicant includes associates of the applicant (i.e. directors and their associates and other group companies): (Note: if none of the following categories in this section apply, this must be clearly indicated by writing “none” in any appropriate box.)

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Community radio application form

Activity/involvement By the applicant By a director and/or a shareholder (section 12 of this or member application form) (section 11 of this application form) a) Local authorities None 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; 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

Caithness FM community radio licence application form

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 – sent by BACS 24/7/17 √ 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.

Jackie Johnson (Name of person) Company Secretary (Title or position in the applicant group) 24 July, 2017 (Date)

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