Ofcom is currently consulting on their work plan for next year, and whilst they mention SSDAB there is no mention of any new rounds of FM, and there are no current future plans for new FM licenses to be offered up.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/latest/features-and-news/plan-of-work-202122

This cannot be the best approach to serve local communities - whilst SSDAB is an opportunity for Community Radio, it won't be viable in all areas, audiences might not quite be ready for it, and it may also take many years until all areas of the UK are given the opportunity to apply to run or be on an SSDAB Mux.

We want to call on Ofcom to consider a limited and specific application process for FM radio, alongside their work on SSDAB, maybe between the 2nd and 3rd rounds of SSDAB when they have said they want to take a pause to consider the implementation of SSDAB.

There are many internet-based community radio stations and even more that have been started since COVID19, and since many parts of the UK saw their local station close down following the Bauer Radio changes.

We want to encourage stations to consider making representations to Ofcom to show interest in additional FM licensing, and also encourage stations to contact their local Councils, Mayors, MP's and other key stakeholders to encourage them to engage with the Ofcom process to push for a commitment for additional FM licenses alongside SSDAB.

We are happy to help and would love to look at a coordinated approach to working with Ofcom on this matter.

Below is a questionnaire to gauge interest in future FM licenses and for us to look at coordination on approach and responses. - This should be completed by the station manager or management group/committee etc representative.

We will be submitting a response to Ofcom and making representations based on the feedback from this survey and engagement with stations.

UK Community Radio Network
hello@ukcrn.radio