NEWS: ELEVEN APPLICATIONS TO OFCOM FOR NEW MANCHESTER LOCAL COMMERCIAL FM RADIO LICENCE, FOUR FOR ABERDEEN by GRANT

GODDARD

www.grantgoddard.co.uk October 2006

Eleven applications to Ofcom for the new Manchester local commercial FM radio licence include one radio group making two bids. Chrysalis plc is proposing both 'The Arrow', a classic rock music station for over-35s, and 'GMBC', a 24-hour talk service of news, views and entertaining conversation. 'Jack FM' would be a variety classic rock music station for 45-59 year olds with an all-speech breakfast show. 'Manchester Citylife', backed by CN Radio Limited, is proposing a locallyfocused speech, information and music station for 45-64 year olds. 'Manchester Sound', backed by local AM licensee 'Asian Sound', would serve Manchesters young Asian community with a distinctive mix of ethnic music. 'Masti Radio', backed by Bradfords Sunrise Radio (Yorkshire) Limited, wants a contemporary Asian/urban/popular music led service targeting young people of Asian ethnic origin up to the age of 35. 'MNR FM', backed by American radio group Emmis, proposes a rolling news, information and music service with a wide variety of adult orientated music styles aimed at 40+ listeners. 'Original FM', backed by CanWest Global Communications, suggests adult alternative radio an eclectic mix of adult-orientated music with particular ABC! Appeal. 'Piccadilly Talk', backed by local AM/FM licensee EMAP plc, would like to provide 24 hours a day speech programming. 'Rock Talk Manchester', backed by Guardian Media Group plc, proposes a speech and rock music service for 35-64 year olds. 'UK1 FM Manchester' suggests a speech and music service for 30-60 year olds playing an individually selected contemporary and unpredictably wide music mix. Ofcom received four applications for the Aberdeen licence. 'Aurora FM' - backed by publisher DC Thomson (20%), Aberdeen Asset Management (20%), John Clarke Motor Group (20%), housebuilder Stewart Milne Group (20%) and transport company First Group (20%) - is offering a full-service station for 24 to 55 year olds featuring local news and information mixed with mainstream adult contemporary, classic hits/soft rock music during the day and themed music and interactive features during the evenings and weekends. 'Original 106', backed by CanWest Global Communications, would provide adult alternative radio an eclectic mix of adult-orientated music with particular ABC1 appeal. 'Real Radio Aberdeen', backed by Guardian Media Group plc, is proposing an adult contemporary music and speech service targeting 25 to 54 year olds. 'Waves Radio', backed by the existing Petershead licensee, is proposing a music and information service for all adults.

News: Eleven Applications To Ofcom For New Manchester Local Commercial FM Radio Licence, Four For Aberdeen page 2 2006 Grant Goddard

[First published in 'The Radio Magazine' as 'Manchester 11, Aberdeen 4', #757, 11 October 2006]

Grant Goddard is a media analyst / radio specialist / radio consultant with thirty years of experience in the broadcasting industry, having held senior management and consultancy roles within the commercial media sector in the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia. Details at http://www.grantgoddard.co.uk

News: Eleven Applications To Ofcom For New Manchester Local Commercial FM Radio Licence, Four For Aberdeen page 3 2006 Grant Goddard