UK

River Radio has confirmed that Ofcom has approved the licence transfer for 107.9FM, clearing the way for the return of community radio to Bangor.

The newly named River Radio Bangor is now preparing to relaunch on FM before winter 2025, following the closure of Bangor FM last year which left the town without a community station.
A spokesperson for the station said: “It’s been bumpy, with many hurdles. But with the support of the UK Community Radio Network, SERC and the amazing team at River Radio, we’ve managed to ensure that Northern Ireland and the UK doesn’t lose a vital FM community station.”
The move follows 12 months of collaboration between River Radio, the UK Community Radio Network, SERC, and Ofcom to secure local broadcasting in the area.
The station’s official launch date will be announced soon.

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Chris Duke will broadcast his Coast Radio Scotland morning show from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe every weekday throughout August.

Fringe Focus, will air from 10am to 2pm, live from Black Medicine Coffee Shop on Nicolson Street.
The show will feature conversations with comedians, musicians, actors and other performers, from first-time festival acts to well-known names.
Each interview will also be released as part of The Peer Project Podcast, which has previously featured guests including Alex Horne, Mike Wozniak, Nicky Campbell and the late Hulk Hogan.
Chris says: “I’ve always believed in giving people a proper platform. There are so many brilliant acts at the Fringe, all with something to say, and I want to help get those voices heard.
“Whether someone’s brand new or been doing this for years, it’s all about connection, stories, and sharing something real over a coffee.”

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The BBC will mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day with a range of programming including radio highlighting stories from the Far East during the Second World War.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie said the coverage will honour “the courage and sacrifice of all who served” and ensure their stories are remembered through powerful testimonies.
On BBC Radio 2, The Jeremy Vine Show on Friday 15th August will feature voices of veterans and broadcaster Kavita Puri reflecting on the war in the Far East and the atomic bombings.
BBC Radio 4 will air a three-part series The History Podcast: The Second Map, uncovering Britain’s role against Japan with previously unheard testimonies. Archive on 4 will tell the story of Wilfred Burchett, who first reported from Hiroshima despite US censorship.
A two-part drama, Hersey’s Hiroshima, will depict the devastation of the atomic bombing, while Book at Bedtime will feature Tim McInnerny reading Kazuo Ishiguro’s An Artist of the Floating World.
Any Questions? will broadcast live from the REME Museum on 15th August to commemorate the day.
BBC Radio 5 Live will carry coverage from the National Memorial Arboretum, including the national two-minute silence. On Wednesday 13th August, Matt Chorley will broadcast from the Cabinet War Rooms with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and special guests.

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DAB multiplexes in Leeds, Bradford, East Lancashire, Milton Keynes and Halifax have formed a partnership to deliver a streamlined service.

A new website has launched offering a single access point for all updates, applications and technical information relating to these areas, replacing the need for separate communications with each operator.
The collaboration aims to simplify the process for stations applying for carriage and keeping up to date with multiplex developments.
Raj Parmar, a partner in the initiative, said: “It makes sense for our users to have access to a streamlined site offering information and updates. This collaboration is a step toward improving transparency and accessibility in local digital broadcasting.”
The partnership is designed to reduce costs for broadcasters and encourage wider coverage. To express an interest or apply, email info@dabbroadcast.com.

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At 8.15am on Monday 10th November community radio stations across the UK will come together for the launch of Our Earth Week.

The seven-day event highlights local climate action, environmental awareness and celebrates the nature around us.
Now in its third year and produced by the Community Radio Environment Network, Our Earth Week is a campaign designed to engage listeners through discussion, useful information, quizzes, creative soundscapes and music. Last year, the initiative was recognised with a nomination for an Arias award.
This year’s theme is Water, with stations exploring rivers, lakes, coastlines and canals close to home. Features will include water-saving tips, flood prevention, pollution awareness, and advice on creating wildlife-friendly spaces.
Stations taking part are supported with a handbook, ready-made audio, and social media content, while many also contribute their own material.
Our Earth Week is open to any community radio station wanting to take part and you can find out more the Community Radio Environment Website or email crenuk1@gmail.com.

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Ofcom has found 21 radio stations in breach of their licences after failing to submit required financial and turnover reports for 2024.

The breaches relate to two separate regulatory requirements: community radio finance reports and annual Relevant Turnover submissions. Both are mandatory and help Ofcom monitor the sector and set appropriate fees for licensed services.
Four community stations failed to provide any finance report at all by the deadline. These were Juice FM Belfast, Juice Radio in Preston, Leicester Community Radio, and Bristol-based SWUFM. Ten others submitted their reports late, including 1BTN, Fiesta FM, East Coast FM, Hayes FM, and Pride Radio.
In a separate breach ruling, seven radio services failed to submit their 2024 Relevant Turnover returns. These included Fiesta FM and Juice Radio Ltd, both of which also appeared on the list of finance report breaches. Other stations listed were Mixer Radio, NonStop90s Radio, Radio Khushkhabri, Feel Good Throwbacks Radio, and Ramadan Radio Live.
Ofcom said the failure to provide these reports undermines its ability to carry out its statutory duties and properly regulate the sector. Both types of report are required under broadcasting legislation and licence conditions, with deadlines issued annually.
Radio Khushkhabri Ltd and Juice Radio Ltd had contacted Ofcom about difficulties with their submissions, but did not complete them in time. In both cases, Ofcom noted the communication but confirmed the information remained outstanding.
The rulings were published in Issue 527 of Ofcom’s Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin, released today. Read the full bulletin here.

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