'Pre-advertisement' of local analogue commercial radio licence: Bolton & Bury

Published 12|01|10

Introduction

1.1 The local analogue commercial radio licence on the FM (VHF) waveband for the Bolton and Bury area, currently held by Tower FM Limited, is due to expire on 19 March 2011.

1.2 Ofcom proposes to grant a further licence for this area, for a period from 20 March 2011 to 19 March 2016.

1.3 In accordance with the provisions of section 104B of the Broadcasting Act 1990 as amended, Ofcom now invites declarations of intent to apply for such a licence.

1.4 Declarations of intent must be submitted in the format specified in Section 2 of this Notice.

1.5 The closing-date for the receipt of declarations of intent from prospective licence applicants is 3.00pm on 29 January 2010.

1.6 An application fee of £5,000 will be payable with each declaration of intent. This fee will not be refundable in any circumstances.

1.7 A declaration of intent must also be accompanied by payment of a deposit of £20,000 which will be refundable upon receipt by Ofcom of a valid application in response to the subsequent re-advertisement of this licence.

1.8 If the only declaration of intent submitted is from the existing licensee, we will then invite Tower FM Limited to reapply for the licence. If a declaration of intent is received from any party in addition to, or rather than, the existing licensee, we will proceed to re-advertise the licence.

1.9 If no declaration of intent is received from any party, the licence will not be re-advertised.