OfCom has admitted it does not know what to do with the Stroud radio licence that it has just been given back. As mentioned in the Top Bit on Friday, commercial radio firm UKRD have handed back their FM licence in protest at what they consider are unfair restrictions on smaller radio stations. It's an unprecedented move, given the financial value of FM licences, which is why the media regulator is a bit confused as to what to do next.
In a statement responding to UKRD's decision, and their criticisms of OfCom rules, the regulators said: "We note the announcement made by UKRD. This is a commercial business decision for the radio station itself. However, Ofcom is naturally disappointed that UKRD have decided to close Star 107.9 in Stroud. We are aware and mindful of the pressures facing all local radio stations - particularly small stations. We are in the process of preparing a consultation, scheduled for publication early next year, which seeks to address directly issues and challenges currently facing radio operators in smaller areas such as UKRD."
A spokeswoman added: "We don't know what we are going to do with the licence. This has only just happened and a decision has not yet been made". What that does mean is that Stroud will be without a commercial radio station once Star FM goes off air at the end of the month. Though, and without wanting to diss the UKRD service, which I'm sure was great, I reckon the people of Stroud will survive.