Panjab Radio eyes analogue frequency in Coventry

Panjab Radio, which currently only on DAB digital and online, is competing for an analogue frequency in the Coventry area, BizAsia can reveal.

According to Ofcom, two declarations have been made for the licence, which at present is held by Quidem – the owners of Touch FM. Panjab Radio Coventry Ltd has put forward its interest for the licence.

Ofcom said, ���In line with our published relicensing procedures, we are therefore publishing a full re-advertisement for the Coventry licence. This will be open to all applicants ��� i.e. not limited to those companies who have previously submitted a ��declaration of intent�۪ to apply for this licence.�۝

Former GCap Media Operations Director Steve Orchard took control of the station when his company, Quidem, bought a group of stations in the Midlands from CN Group. He told RadioToday.co.uk, ���When Quidem acquired Touch FM in June 2009, it was in a poor state. Coventry�۪s second commercial radio licence had over the years proved somewhat difficult. Since then Quidem has gone about building the quality and quantity of local content, providing a pro-active and supportive presence in the local community, and we have substantially grown our sales revenues so that 96.2 Touch FM is a strong viable business within the context of the Quidem portfolio.�۝

Panjab Radio said that if anyone would like to help with its Coventry licence, to email info@panjabradio.co.uk .

The current Touch FM licence in Coventry is due to expire in December 2013. Ofcom proposes to grant a further licence for this area, for a period from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2020.

If successful, Panjab Radio will compete directly with Radio XL, which broadcasts in the West Midlands and Sabras Radio – a station broadcasting to the Asian community in the East Midlands.