Though pleased with recent digital radio uptake, the government has given the go ahead for 32 new FM stations to broadcast on the existing analogue airwaves. This will be good news for the commercial radio sectors, especially following a commitment in the forthcoming Communications Act to let any one media group own more stations in any one area. 11 of the new stations will be set up in so called 'non-metropolitan' areas, the rest will be set up in cities, including Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle.
Radio Authority executives said the proposal for the new stations was part of a final chapter in the development of FM commercial radio, which has been running since 1973 when LBC and Capital Radio first hit the airwaves. The Authority’s director of engineering told Media Guardian: "The document gives you a good idea of the FM endgame. Beyond these opportunities the FM spectrum is full, unless we change our assumptions about audio standards." The precise nature and extent of the licences will be subject to further study but all of the big radio groups including GWR, Emap, Chrysalis and Capital Radio are expected to bid and benefit.