The Channel Islands’ broadcasting charity, based in Alderney, has confirmed that the licence it holds to broadcast to the Channel Islands for local community radio station Quay-FM 107.1 is being renewed by Ofcom.
A multi-year extension of the only Community Radio Licence the Channel Islands has been approved by the UK’s Office of Communications (OFCOM). It is expected the new licence now will run until 2030.
Charity board member and station manager, Lisa Oates said: “We’ve just had a confirmation email from Ofcom, and we’ve been told we should expect the actual licence to be in the post during the first week of November.”
Because radio and TV broadcasting involves frequency coordination with other countries where radio signals might travel, such as France, broadcasting regulation is one of the matters for which His Majesty’s government at Westminster has direct responsibility for the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Radio licencing was delegated by the Government to Ofcom under the Communications Act of 2003.
The multi-year extension for the Quay-FM 107.1 radio channel marks another significant milestone for community radio and broadcasting throughout the Channel Islands, with the charity-owned station’s commitment to serving the islanders with diverse alternative programming with a distinct local voice and providing training and opportunities for volunteering.
Through its behind-the-scenes work, the charity works under a co-operation agreement with (Island FM parent company) Tindle Radio helping to keep the island’s digital transmitter on-air in Alderney, enables listeners to have crystal clear reception of more than 20 different radio stations in the northerly Channel Island.
James Keen, Managing Director, Tindle CI Broadcasting said: “Congratulations to Quay-FM on news of their licence extension. Their team have been valued supporters of Tindle’s DAB multiplex both as a service provider and also as our on-island technical partner, helping provide reliable transmission of more than 20 radio stations to Alderney.
“With four in ten islanders now tuning into DAB each week, we’re grateful for the support of Quay-FM in maintaining and growing DAB in Alderney.”
Station manager, Lisa Oates said: “We are naturally very pleased that Ofcom have extended our licence. This is a recognition by the UK regulator of the incredible support from our listeners, volunteers, and the community throughout the Channel Islands notwithstanding the challenges that we have faced over the last 2 – 3 years. We are continuing into the future with a strong team and always open to recruiting new volunteers in all roles.”
