A Cornish radio station applying for a commercial licence has won its campaign for an individual licence for the county, rather than the amalgamated one with Devon that was proposed by Ofcom.
Cornwall Kernow FM (CKFM), planning to broadcast music and local news and information specific to Cornwall, began an application for a licence to cover just the county over four years ago, when tenders were still under the control of the now defunct Radio Authority.
Ofcom’s consultation paper, published in February, suggested that the new station might have to be subject to a “South-West” regional licence that would include parts of Devon.
The following month John Grierson, managing director of CKFM, complained to the broadcast regulator, objecting to its plans for the proposed licence.
Speaking of his delight at Ofcom’s decision to backtrack, he said: “None of us who have worked hard for a new Cornwall station could understand why Ofcom ever suggested that we be lumped in with Devon. Good sense prevailed in the end, and there is clear recognition of Cornwall’s unique history, culture and economy.”
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