Awaaz Radio wins licence in High Wycombe

Media regulator has announced the award of three new community radio licences, including an Asian station to be based in High Wycombe.

Awaaz Radio, as the station will be known, has won the licence to broadcast to the Asian community in the specified area over an initial five-year period.

According to Ofcom’s note, “Awaaz Radio aims to encourage, promote, and develop a sense of community among the Asian community in the High Wycombe area in Buckinghamshire with programming that will include music and the provision of news, information and entertainment.”

Awaaz Radio’s policy will be to assist listeners in obtaining access to facilities in training and health, and will promote education on social issues.

At the time of filing this article, BizAsia.co.uk was awaiting a response from Awaaz Radio on its launch date. Other details remain sketchy. The station is likely to go on-air sometime next year.

Awaaz Radio becomes the latest Asian community station to broadcast on a long-term basis after Raaj FM in Sandwell, Ambur Radio in Walsall, Spice FM in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Asian Star in Slough, Kohinoor FM in Leicester and Hayes FM in Hayes.

Ofcom has also handed five-year non-Asian community licence wins to Meridian FM in East Grinstead and Uckfield FM in Uckfield.