Asian Sound proposes new Arabic station launch

East Lancashire’s Asian Sound radio station has requested Ofcom for a Format change in its output.

Asian Sound uses two AM frequencies to serve its Measured Coverage Area (‘MCA’). The station’s main 963 kHz frequency covers the majority of the MCA geographically, including the towns of Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Rochdale and Bolton. A second transmitter on 1377 kHz covers the Manchester, Oldham and Stockport areas.

In its proposal, Asian Sound has proposed to ‘split’ its frequencies and provide a different service, specifically targeting the Asian Arabic Muslim community, on 1377 kHz while continuing to provide the existing Asian Sound Radio service on 963 kHz.

A request for a Format change can be approved only if it satisfies at least one of the five criteria set out in the Broadcasting Code.

Ofcom has said that it does not consider Asian Sound’s request meets criterion that the change would not substantially alter the character of service. As a result, Ofcom has started a consultation process seeking views from the public about the proposed change. The consultation ends on Thursday 22nd December.