[commedia] Pilot Access Stations On Air

[Michelle McGuire]

Pilot Access Stations On Air

The first three stations in the Radio Authority's access radio pilot scheme
have begun broadcasting, with another 12 due to go on air later this year,
writes Leigh Holmwood.

The stations are the first to 15 short-listed by the authority in August.
They include Stoke Christian service Cross Rhythms City Radio, Bradford
Community Broadcasting, aimed at local disadvantaged groups and Angel
Community Radio in Hampshire for the over-60s.

The stations have been given one-year licences on spare local radio
frequencies for not-for-profit activities. If the pilots prove a success,
the Radio Authority will push for the scheme to be made permanent.

Radio Authority chairman Richard Hooper said: 'This is a ground-breaking
moment. If successful, it could lead to a new tier of stations across the
UK.'

Source: Broadcast Magazine 8 March 2002