Ramadan radio stations go live in the UK

Nearly 30 radio stations dedicated to the Islamic religious event, Ramadan, have gone live across the UK this week.

A total of 28 Restricted Service Licences radio stations commenced this week in a variety of highly Asian populated cities such as London, Leicester, Manchester and Bradford.

This year, London has three stations in Harrow, Greenwich and Whitechapel. West Yorkshire has four dedicated stations, while three are based in Lancashire and two in Greater Manchester.

The Ramadan stations, which are broadcasting under various names are situated in the following areas this year; Reading, Leicester, Newcastle, Greenwich, Whitechapel, Bradford, Harrow, Walsall, Edinburgh, Manchester, Oldham, Stoke, Dudley, Glasgow, Bolton, Croydon, Cardiff, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Preston, Blackburn, Keighley, Bristol, Burton-on-Trent, Slough, Middlesborough.

Ofcom only usually allows temporary licences for up to 28 days, but makes a special exception in order for the complete event to be covered.

The holy month of Ramadan started on Wednesday/Thursday last week.