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<p>Ofcom is responsible for licensing community radio services and has awarded over
300 licences since 2005. Over 220 community stations are broadcasting throughout the
UK.</p><p> </p><p>Applications for community radio licences are considered by Ofcom
in accordance with the requirements of the Community Radio Order 2004. In order to
treat all applicants equally, and given the high volume of potential applicants, Ofcom's
policy is carry out licensing in rounds, inviting applications from each region of
the UK in turn. For similar reasons of fairness, Ofcom does not accept an application
from specific groups in a region without also accepting applications from across the
whole region.</p><p> </p><p>Ofcom invited applicants for the West and East Midlands
in the first half 2014, with the closing date for applications on 24 June 2014. Ofcom
has not yet confirmed a timetable for further licensing rounds, however Ofcom notes
the continuing interest from potential applicant groups, as this will help inform
its decisions on future licensing.</p><p> </p><p>A total of 9 licences in the Midlands
during the current round of licensing - most recently 3 licences were awarded in January
2015 to stations in the Midlands region. More details can be found on the Ofcom website:
<a href="http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radio-broadcast-licensing/community-radio/current-licensees/awards-round-3/"
target="_blank">http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radio-broadcast-licensing/community-radio/current-licensees/awards-round-3/</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>Full details on applying for community radio licenses can also be found on
Ofcom’s website: <a href="http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radio-broadcast-licensing/community-radio/apply-for-licence/"
target="_blank">http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radio-broadcast-licensing/community-radio/apply-for-licence/</a></p>
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