Banbury Local Radio - Ofcom Licensing

Advertisement of FM
Independent Local
Radio Licence for
BANBURY
BLR will be an entrepreneurial creative radio company with an innovative bright passionate
style. It will explore ways to make radio more relevant to the Banbury area ensuring its output
is fresh and locally relevant. BLR is an independent company backed by an emerging radio
group with resources and funding.
Page 1

General Information
(a) Name of Applicant, Address, Telephone and Fax Nos., E-mail address
Banbury Local Radio Ltd
42 South Bar
Banbury
Oxfordshire
OX16 9AE
Company Number: 4578664 (A copy of the Certificate of Incorporation is shown as Appendix 1)
Telephone Number: 01295 251900
Fax Number: 01295 251686
E-Mail: support@banburylocalradio.com
Legal Advisers: Bankers:
Spratt Endicott Lloyds TSB plc
52-54 The Green Week Street
Banbury Maidstone
OX16 9AB ME14 1RW
(b) Main Contact (For Public Purposes)
Name: David Bennett
Telephone (daytime): 01295 251900
Address: Banbury Local Radio Ltd, 42 South Bar, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 9AE
E-mail address: david@banburylocalradio.com
(c) Proposed Station Name
Banbury 107.6
(d) Brief Description of Programme Service
BLR will be an innovative local station for the Banbury area. The station will have a broad appeal with a core audience of 30 – 54 year olds,
featuring highly focused local news and information plus music from the last 40 years.
(e) Main Contact (For OFCOM Purposes)
Shown as Confidential Appendix 1
Page 2

Section 1 - Ownership & Control
[ SECTION 105(A): ABILITY TO MAINTAIN PROPOSED SERVICE ]
(a) Board of Directors
The Board of BLR reflects all aspects of Banbury life and understands that running a Banbury area radio station will be running a small local
business. The Board consists of an Executive Board that oversees the management of the station, whilst the full board has the final sanction
on all decisions.
The Board has been chosen to reflect all aspects of Banbury life with representatives from finance, programming, sales and the local
community. Each member has an individual flair and passion for the Banbury area. This experience and enthusiasm will make BLR a bright
vibrant new company.
A brief outline of members is as follows:
Executive Board Members:
Lord Colwyn Chairman
John Banks Marketing
David Bennett Project Manager
David Maker Programming
Peter Neighbour Finance
Andrew Nicholls Sales
Nigel Reeve Management
In addition the Executive Board will have the services of Susie Hall (Finance Director, Laser Broadcasting Ltd) and Glynn Barrington (Finance
Director, John Nicholls Ltd) at all meetings.
Additional Full Board Members:
Mike Swann Sales
Rosemarie Higham Community
Safraz Bhatti Community
Simon Smith Finance
Deborah Labuschagne PR
Page 3

(i) Provide the name, occupation, other directorships, other media interests, background and relevant media experience of each
director (executive and non-executive), including the proposed chairperson.
Lord Colwyn
Position: Chairman
Appointed: 21 st May 2003
Home Address: Bran Mill, Aston Magna, Moreton-in Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9QW
Age: 63
Nationality: British
Occupation: Member of the House of Lords, Dental Surgeon, Musician
Other Directorships: Campbell Montague International, 9 Berkley Street, London W1.
Background: Anthony Colwyn lives near Shipston-on-Stour and works part-time in London as a dental surgeon and member of
the House of Lords. He makes regular contributions to debates on radio, media, music and the arts, as well as
health subjects. He has also played as a semi-professional musician in venues as diverse as Ronnie Scotts,
Windsor Castle, hotels, cruise liners and village halls. He is co-chairman of the all-party parliamentary jazz
group and is a passionate supporter of young musicians and their need to be heard.
Media Interests: Anthony was a founder director of Jazz FM. He has a 6.47% holding in Banbury local Radio Ltd.
Radio Experience /
BLR Role: Anthony has a rare combination of management and radio experience. During his time with Jazz FM he gained
significant experience in launching and developing a radio brand and he wants to bring this experience in an
active capacity to Banbury Local Radio Ltd. He is a fervent believer in the need for strong local radio and has
been part of the BLR team since the spring of 2003.
During this time he has built a strong board that covers all aspects that are needed for a local station with a
mixture of radio and business experience.
Post Award Role: Anthony sees his role continuing after the award and is committed to spending at least half a day per week
working with BLR to build a successful and popular radio station.
Page 4

John Banks
Position: Executive Board and Full Board Member
Appointed: 1 st October 2004
Home Address: Duncombe House, Donnington, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire, GL56 0RB
Age: 59
Nationality: British
Occupation: Chairman and Chief Executive of Advertising Agency
Other Directorships: FCB London Limited
Background: John graduated from The London Business School and entered advertising in 1966, since when he has worked
at Leo Burnett and Ogilvy & Mather until 1983 when he joined Young and Rubicam.
After a short period as European Client Services Director, he was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive taking
the agency into the top 5 rating with campaigns including ‘Sid’ for British Gas flotation and Heinz Beans. He was
appointed to the worldwide board in 1987 and became International Chairman responsible for Europe, Africa,
Australia and New Zealand in 1988 and maintained a special interest in Eastern Europe.
John became Chairman of Banks Hoggins O’Shea in 1991, which merged with FCB – the No 1 agency in North
America. He is a member of the Market Research Society, Institute of Marketing and a Fellow, Council Member
and Honorary Secretary of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising.
John has been in international communications for nearly 40 years. He has worked with clients such as Shell,
Unilever, Colgate, Ford, Compaq, British Airways and taken on personal assignments for a range of high profile
statesmen and politicians including Margaret Thatcher, King Constantine of Greece, The Prince of Wales, and ex-
President Bush.
Media Interests: John has a 4.99% holding in Banbury Local Radio Ltd.
Radio Experience /
BLR Role: John brings nearly 40 years marketing experience to Banbury Local Radio. He is one of the leading figures in
the industry and has used this experience to help shape BLR’s image and plans.
Post Award Role: Post award John will continue to oversee the marketing of the radio station.
Page 5

David Bennett
Position: Executive Board and Full Board Member plus Project Manager
Appointed: 1 st July 2003
Home Address: 3 Mannings Close, Sibford Ferris, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5RA
Age: 60
Nationality: British
Occupation: Project Manager
Other Directorships: Banbury United Football Club Limited
Banbury and District Chamber of Commerce
Background: David is an active member of the local community with roles as diverse as Director of Banbury and District
Chamber of Commerce and a board member of Banbury United Football Club. Through a combination of
entrepreneurial flair and sound business judgement, backed by a proven record of successful persuasion and
negotiation, he has established an outstanding portfolio of achievements in all sectors of business.
David has raised significant sums for local charities, including Katharine House Hospice, Shaw Trust and Dogs
for the Disabled. Recently he became the first person to complete on foot, the Premiership Walk – a 680-mile
journey – visiting all the premiership football clubs in the UK, raising thousands of pounds for charity.
His local knowledge and network of contacts across a wide spectrum of interests makes him a valuable asset to
Banbury Local Radio.
Media Interests: David has a 0.78% holding in Banbury Local Radio Ltd
Radio Experience /
BLR Role: David first met Nigel Reeve in 2002 and joined BLR shortly afterwards. David is known and well liked throughout
Banbury. His level of contacts both in the business and local charity worlds are unrivalled in the area. David
brings this unbeatable local knowledge to BLR.
Post Award Role: Post award David will continue with an active role developing awareness of BLR and its role within the
community. David will develop BLR’s involvement with local charities.
Page 6

David Maker
Position: Executive Board and Full Board Member
Appointed: 1 st December 2003
Home Address: 49 Freshfields Road, Formby, Liverpool, L37 3HL
Age: 65
Nationality: British
Occupation: Company Director
Other Directorships: Associated Radio Limited
Golf FM Limited
Liver FM Limited
Barrow Local Radio Limited (FAB FM)
Background: David has known Nigel Reeve for over 20 years. During the autumn of 2003 Nigel approached David and asked
him to join the board of BLR. David immediately saw the potential for a local radio station covering an area
underserved by commercial radio and an area with a clear local identity. David immediately agreed to join the
board and starting using his immense experience to help formulate the radio station.
Media Interests: David represents Associated Radio’s 23.31% holding in BLR. He is also Chairman of Associated Radio Ltd.
Radio Experience /
BLR Role: David is one of the most experienced senior executives in UK commercial radio. He was the only Chief Executive
to have been involved in winning every type of analogue licence offered by the Radio Authority - national,
regional, London (twice), city, twin and small area licence.
David began his career in journalism on local weekly newspapers and then as a reporter on the Liverpool Daily
Post. David moved on to become news editor of the Birmingham Post before joining the small team on BBC
Radio Merseyside that pioneered local radio in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was a member of the
consortium that won the Liverpool licence for Radio City where, after a spell as head of News and Current
Affairs, he became Programme Director.
In 1982, after leading the consortium that won the Lancashire licence, he launched Red Rose Radio as its first
Chief Executive. He went on to pioneer group development within commercial radio with the takeover of Radio
Aire in Leeds, CBC in Cardiff and GB Radio in Newport. The Cardiff and Newport stations were combined and relaunched
as Red Dragon Radio.
After leaving the Red Rose Group David became part of the team that won the licence for the UK’s first national
commercial radio station, Classic FM. Then in 1990, David founded Golden Rose Communications PLC and
purchased London radio station, Jazz FM. Golden Rose also won two further large-scale licences within London
and the UK’s first regional radio licence, which established Jazz FM in the North West.
In early 1995, Golden Rose Communications PLC was floated on the London Stock Exchange. The small group of
investors that had paid £600,000 for Jazz FM saw the value of their investment soar to £30,000,000.
On returning to the North-West David was invited to chair the Dune consortium bidding for the Southport licence
being contested by four local groups. Dune FM won and David took a controlling equity interest in the station.
In 2000 Dune FM – which had been capitalised at £200,000 – was sold to the newly formed Forward Media Ltd
for £2,000,000 and David was subsequently invited to become Forward Media’s Chairman.
David has now resigned from the Forward Media Group to concentrate on Associated Radio and BLR.
Post Award Role: Post award David will continue to bring his vast experience to BLR and is committed to working with the radio
station management on an on going basis.
Page 7

Peter Neighbour
Position: Executive Board and Full Board Member
Appointed: 26 th March 2004
Home Address: 4 Mannings Close, Sibford Ferris, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5RA
Age: 52
Nationality: British
Occupation: Accountant
Other Directorships: fountains plc
Fountains Support Services Limited
Fountain Utilities Limited
Fountain Landscapes Limited
Beaver Utility Services Limited
Sibford School
Background: Peter is a qualified accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He
has held a number of financial and managerial positions in the construction, financial services and music
industries. He is currently an Executive Director of fountains plc – an AIM listed company engaged in vegetation
and environmental management.
Following a period as group financial director, he is responsible for the Support Services Divisions, which
includes tree and vegetation management along rail and power lines, highways and grounds maintenance and
landscape contracting.
Media Interests: Peter has a 0.97% holding in Banbury Local Radio Ltd
Radio Experience /
BLR Role: BLR will be a small local business as well as a radio station. As part of its structure it will have a finance board
to ensure the company finances stay front of mind. Peter will play a leading role on this board.
Post Award Role: Post award Peter will take responsibility for all financial matters.
Page 8

Andrew Nicholls
Position: Executive Board and Full Board Member
Appointed: 21 st May 2003
Home Address: Overthorpe Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 4TB
Age: 56
Nationality: British
Occupation: Company Director
Other Directorships: John Nicholls (Holding) Limited
John Nicholls (Trading) Limited
Overthorpe Road Management Co. Limited
Background: Andrew is a successful local businessman whose family has been part of Banbury for over 40 years. His
business has grown consistently and now employs over 130 people at five branches, with a combined turnover
in excess of £23 million. He is an active member of the community with a wealth of contacts.
He has sponsored both Banbury United Football Club and Banbury Rugby Football Club, helping to provide the
financial resources to ensure these facilities are maintained for local people.
His entrepreneurial skills, together with enthusiasm and motivation, make him an ideal board member.
Media Interests: Andrew has a 8.76% holding in Banbury Local Radio Ltd
Radio Experience /
BLR Role: Andrew’s family have been key members of the Banbury business community for over 40 years. As a result
Andrew has a deep understanding of the local business world. He knows what makes it thrive and it is this
knowledge that he brings to the BLR board. Andrew has been involved with BLR since it was established in
2002. From the beginning he has understood that BLR will be a small local business and his skills will be vital in
helping it understand the local market and how to grow with the local market.
Post Award Role: Post award Andrew will work with the station sales team advising on local income opportunities.
Page 9

Nigel Reeve
Position: Executive Board and Full Board Member
Appointed: 31 st October 2002
Home Address: Cowles House, Hope Mansell, Ross on Wye, HR9 5TL
Age: 52
Nationality: British
Occupation: Company Director
Other Directorships: Laser Broadcasting Limited
Banbury Local Radio Limited
Barrow Local Radio Limited (FAB FM)
Chorley Local Radio Limited
Durham Local Radio Limited (Prince FM)
Exeter Local Radio Limited
Humberside Local Radio Limited
Ipswich Local Radio Limited
Northallerton Local Radio Limited
Nando Consultancy Limited
Torbay Local Radio Limited
Background: Nigel first became involved in local radio for Banbury in the autumn of 2001, when he co-hosted a meeting of
key local business people to discuss a potential new radio station. He next got together with local Banbury man
Jerry Halford in the summer of 2002 when they discussed the potential for a new radio station for the area. It
soon became clear there was a gap in the market. He then held meetings with David Bennett, Mike Swann and
Andrew Nicholls and all agreed to back the project. At that point Banbury Local Radio was formed.
Media Interests: Nigel is Chief Executive and a shareholder of Laser Broadcasting Ltd, a company specialising in helping local
groups create local radio stations that are financially sound with strong local programming. Laser is currently
involved with 11 groups around the UK. Laser Broadcasting Ltd has a 29.19% holding in Banbury Local Radio
Ltd.
Radio Experience /
BLR Role: Nigel began his media sales career with Eastern Counties Newspapers in Ipswich in 1969, transferring to the
fledgling Radio Orwell in 1975. After six years he moved to 2CR in Bournemouth as sales manager.
In 1983 Nigel became Sales Director at County Sound before moving to Kent’s Invicta Sound in 1985, becoming
Managing Director three years later. The company had been experiencing heavy losses. Nigel turned it round,
delivering a £1 million profit and a stock market flotation in July 1989. In addition, in 1986 he formed the UK’s
first specialist radio sales training company, RSL training Ltd. By 1988 he had personally trained two thirds of
all local sales staff in UK commercial radio.
In 1991 Nigel joined the launch team of Classic FM, the UK’s first national commercial radio station, with
responsibility for all sales and marketing to both consumers and advertisers. In 1996 London News Radio
headhunted Nigel as Chief Executive to put things right. He transformed the loss to breakeven by 1999 with a
projected £2 million profit for the year 2000.
At the end of 1999 Nigel established Fusion Radio Holdings, purchasing two stations in London and one in
Oxford. In September 2001 Nigel merged Fusion with Milestone Radio. This gave the new company a controlling
interest in stations in Newbury, Rugby and Basingstoke and a major holding in City FM, the new Reading station.
In 2002 Nigel formed Laser Broadcasting Ltd. Nigel brings 30 years commercial radio experience to BLR.
Post Award Role: Post award Nigel, as part of the Laser Broadcasting team, will continue to work with BLR in a management
capacity.
Page 10

Mike Swann
Position: Full Board Member
Appointed: 21 st May 2003
Home Address: Camelot, Cartwright Gardens, Aynho, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 3BB
Age: 64
Nationality: British
Occupation: Company Owner
Other Directorships: None
Background: Mike is a former BBC ‘It’s a Knockout’ referee and international referee for Eurovision’s ‘Jeux sans Frontieres’.
He has lived in Banbury for 35 years and formed Mike Swann Financial Management 20 years ago. He is a
former director of Banbury United FC, Vice-president of Banbury Twenty Cricket Club and current sponsor of
South Northants Junior Cricket. He chaired the committee responsible for the Spiceball Sports Centre. He is a
well-respected local businessman and a Banbury magistrate for 25 years.
Media Interests: Mike has a 3.89% holding in Banbury Local Radio Ltd
Radio Experience /
BLR Role: Mike is one of the most respected businessmen in the Banbury area. His involvement in BLR started back in
2002 when he first got together with Nigel Reeve and has continued to work with the project since then. As with
Andrew Nicholls he brings a wealth of local business experience to the board of BLR. This experience is vital to
the company’s future growth.
Post Award Role: Post award Mike will continue to use his local business experience to help BLR become a successful local
company.
Rosemarie Higham
Position: Full Board Member
Appointed: 1 st October 2004
Home Address: Cherry Lodge, Shotteswell, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 1HS
Age: 62
Nationality: British
Occupation: Coal Merchant
Other Directorships: None
Background: Rosemarie has recently completed a highly successful year as Mayor of Banbury. She has maintained a high
profile in her support for the town with numerous television appearances, radio interviews and coverage in the
local press.
She was born in Banbury and took over the family business 35 years ago, since when its reputation for quality
and service has won national and local awards. She is a member of the Woman of the Year Association and is a
past president of Banbury and District Chamber of Commerce.
She is a popular local personality and is in touch with local needs – particularly local crime prevention, victim
support and the carers’ association. She plays an active role in support of the Horton Hospital and is involved
with both the new museum project at Spiceball and the Lady on a White Horse appeal. As a district councillor,
she attends many local village meetings – keeping in touch with local needs.
Media Interests: Rosemarie has a 0.97% holding in Banbury Local Radio Ltd.
Radio Experience /
BLR Role: Rosemarie cares about the area and everyone who lives in it. Just ask anyone who was involved with her during
her 12 months as Mayor. Her role within the BLR board is to ensure the radio station stays in touch with the
local community and actively fights for local causes.
Post Award Role: Post award Rosemarie is committed to continuing to ensure BLR is in tune with the local community.
Page 11

Safraz Bhatti
Position: Full Board Member
Appointed: 14 th January 2005
Home Address: 9 High Acres, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 9SJ
Age: 54
Nationality: British
Occupation: Property Manager
Other Directorships: Liaison Officer for the Muslim Community in Banbury
Committee Member of the North Oxfordshire Local Police Board
Committee Member of the Oxfordshire County Council Social & Health Care Planning & Partnership
Committee Member of the Asian Police Liaison Forum
Committee Member of the Banbury District Racial Equality Council
Background: Safraz first came to Banbury over 40 years ago and since then he has built up a very successful local property
management business.
In addition he is a leading member in the Banbury Muslim community. He is a leading figure across all strands
of the community. He is also a member of The Cherwell Police Panel and the Vice-Chairman of The Banbury
Racial Equality committee.
Media Interests: Safraz has a 0.78% holding in Banbury Local Radio Ltd.
Radio Experience /
BLR Role: As well as being a well respected local businessman, Safraz is the leader of the local Muslim Community. He will
ensure the contacts he has built up are used to make BLR an integeral part of the community. As part of this he
will help BLR to cover different cultures and ensure that BLR appeals to a wider range of ethnic backgrounds.
Post Award Role: Post award Safraz will give at least 3 hours per week working for BLR ensuring it works with all aspects of the
local community.
Simon Smith
Position: Full Board Member
Appointed: 14 th January 2005
Home Address: Leena Cottage, 28/29 Main Road, Stanton Harcourt, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 5RP
Age: 40
Nationality: British
Occupation: Accountant
Other Directorships: Wellers Limited
Oxford Company Services Limited
The Careers Centre (North and West Oxfordshire)
Banbury and District Chamber of Commerce
Zenos Limited
Oxfordshire Business Enterprises Limited
Background: Simon is a fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and a partner in Wellers Accountants. He
is a keen sportsman who has represented Oxfordshire in cricket and hockey as well as being heavily involved in
the voluntary sector for Banbury. Simon is on the board of trustees of Banbury Young Homelessness Project
and the Carers Association.
Media Interests: Simon has 0.10% holding in Banbury Local Radio Ltd.
Radio Experience /
BLR Role: Simon has been involved with BLR as a member of the consortium since 2003. He has been involved in
producing the 5 year financial projections for BLR and believes that these are realistic, achievable projections.
Post Award Role: Post Award, Simon’s accountancy firm Wellers will supply accountancy advice to BLR.
Page 12

Deborah Labuschagne
Position: Full Board Member
Appointed: 14 th January 2005
Home Address: 2 Duns Tew Road, Hempton, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 0RA
Age: 40
Nationality: British
Occupation: Sales and Project Management
Other Directorships: None
Background: Deborah has over 10 years PR experience, most recently as the Business Development Manager at Whateley
Hall Hotel, one of Banbury’s leading hotels. Prior to that she worked in Dubai in marketing and publishing.
During this time she developed her own project management business. This included working for the advertising
agency TBWA where her clients included Visa and Nissan.
Media Interests: Deborah has no other media interests.
Radio Experience /
BLR Role: During her time in Dubai Deborah was part of a team that started a new male biased magazine. Her brief was to
develop a client base to bring in advertising revenue, develop ideas for special features to bring in revenue and
lead the editorial team to develop, maintain and grow the image. Prior to this Debbie gained radio experience
when she worked for Emirates Radio as part of its programming team.
Post Award Role: Post award Deborah will work in a part time capacity for BLR with a marketing brief to develop the image and
awareness of the station amongst the local audience and potential advertisers. She is committing to a minimum
of 3 hours per week.
(ii) If there are firm plans to appoint any further directors, provide information (with details of any specific individual in mind).
This information may be submitted in confidence.
None
(b) Proposed Investors and Shareholding Structure
(i) Names and addresses of all existing or proposed shareholders.
The BLR shareholder list is as follows:
Name Address
Lord Colwyn Bran Mill, Aston Magna, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9QW
Michael Swann 42 South Bar, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 9AE
Peter Neighbour 4 Mannings Close, Sibford Ferris, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5RA
Andrew Nicholls Clump House, Horton Lane, Horley, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 9BE
Laser Broadcasting Ltd Crowther Rd, Washington, NE38 0BW
Stewart Green 28 Woodhall Drive, Banbury, Oxfordshire, Ox16 9TY
Martin Wyatt Penrose House, 67 Hightown Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire, Ox16 9BE
Nik Phillips 67 St Johns Way, Hempton, Oxfordshire, OX15 0QR
Jerry Halford 2 Falcon Close, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 9QS
Associated Radio Limited 288 - 290 Church Street, Blackpool, FY1 3QA
David Bennett 3 Mannings Close, Sibford Ferris, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5RA
Rosemarie Higham Cherry Lodge, Shotteswell, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 1HS
Martin Phillips Swan Close Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5AL
Anthony Stevens Planned Maintenance Egineering Ltd, 12-14 Lombard Road, London, SW11 3AY
John Banks Duncombe House, Longborough, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0RB
Barry Newbery 80 Willow Drive, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 3XA
Ivor Jones 7 Brooke Close, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6PE
Peter Vaughan Newlands Farm House, Aston Magna, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9QQ
Page 13

Charlotte Gabb Broad Close Farm, Weston Sub Edge, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6QU
Sarfraz Bhatti 9 High Acres, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 9SJ
Ernest Petrie Whitehouse Barn, Lapworth Street, Nr Henley In Arden, Warwickshire, B95 5HJ
Simon Smith Leena Cottage, 28/29 Main Road, Stanton Harcourt, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 5RP
(ii) Total number, class/classes of shares and issue price of shares (specify voting, non-voting, preference, other etc.).
Pre Award Post Award Final Position
Name Shares Price Per Percentage Shares Price Per Percentage Shares Percentage
Share
Share
Mike Swann 5,000 £1.00 3.89% 3,893 £3.00 3.89% 8,893 3.89%
Andrew Nicholls 11,250 £1.20 8.76% 8,758 £3.00 8.76% 20,008 8.76%
Lord Colwyn 8,313 £0.80 6.47% 6,471 £3.00 6.47% 14,784 6.47%
Martin Wyatt 2,500 £1.00 1.95% 1,946 £3.00 1.95% 4,446 1.95%
David Bennett 1,000 £0.70 0.78% 779 £3.00 0.78% 1,779 0.78%
Martin Phillips 1,000 £1.40 0.78% 779 £3.00 0.78% 1,779 0.78%
Associated Radio 29,942 £1.32 23.31% 23,308 £3.00 23.31% 53,250 23.31%
Peter Neighbour 1,250 £1.52 0.97% 973 £3.00 0.97% 2,223 0.97%
Stewart Green 1,250 £1.52 0.97% 973 £3.00 0.97% 2,223 0.97%
Nik Phillips 1,250 £1.52 0.97% 973 £3.00 0.97% 2,223 0.97%
Rosemary Higham 1,250 £1.52 0.97% 973 £3.00 0.97% 2,223 0.97%
Anthony Stevens 4,950 £1.47 3.85% 3,854 £3.00 3.85% 8,804 3.85%
John Banks 6,408 £1.32 4.99% 4,989 £3.00 4.99% 11,397 4.99%
Barry Newberry 1,250 £1.60 0.97% 973 £3.00 0.97% 2,223 0.97%
Jerry Halford 1,500 £1.33 1.17% 1,168 £3.00 1.17% 2,668 1.17%
Peter Vaughan 1,250 £1.60 0.97% 973 £3.00 0.97% 2,223 0.97%
Ivor Jones 2,500 £1.60 1.95% 1,946 £3.00 1.95% 4,446 1.95%
Laser Broadcasting 37,500 £0.41 29.19% 29,194 £3.00 29.19% 66,694 29.19%
Charlotte Gabb 2,342 £1.32 1.82% 1,823 £3.00 1.82% 4,165 1.82%
Sarfraz Bhatti 1,000 £1.60 0.78% 779 £3.00 0.78% 1,779 0.78%
Ernest Petrie 5,625 £1.60 4.38% 4,379 £3.00 4.38% 10,004 4.38%
Simon Smith 125 £1.60 0.10% 97 £3.00 0.10% 222 0.10%
TOTALS: 128,455 100.00% 100,000 100.00% 228,454 100.00%
All shares issued in Banbury Local Radio Ltd are A Class Shares with full voting rights.
(iii) All voting shareholders and holders of 5% or more of non-voting shares and loan stock should be named. State the number,
class/classes and price of shares to be issued to each investor.
As above
(iv) Outline any shareholders agreements or arrangements which exist.
A copy of the Shareholders Agreement is included as Appendix 2
(v) Where a corporate body other than a current OFCOM licensee will be providing 30% or more of the required funding, details
should be given of its directors and main shareholders, and of its activities.
There are no shareholders supplying more than 30% of the funding.
Page 14

(vi) OFCOM may request additional information (e.g. a banker' letter, statutory/management accounts) regarding the
shareholders, or any other providers of finance, listed in the application.
This can be supplied if required.
(c) Involvement of the Applicant in Specified Activities. Details are required of the involvement by the applicant and its
participants (including shareholders or other subscribers of more than 5% of the applicant's total funding requirements) in any
of the activities listed below, and the extent of the interest. For these purposes, the applicant includes associates of the
applicant (i.e. directors and their associates and other group companies).
(a) Advertising agencies;
None
(b) Newspapers;
None
(c) Other broadcasting interests;
Laser Broadcasting Ltd is currently working with a number of potential radio applicant groups around the UK and has a minority shareholding
in a number of these groups.
Associated Radio Ltd is a company formed by a group of investors – including senior radio executives – to offer investment, help and advice
to emerging radio groups.
(d) Bodies whose objects are wholly or mainly of a religious nature;
None
(e) Bodies whose objects are wholly or mainly of a political nature;
None
(f) Local authorities;
None
(g) Other publicly-funded bodies;
None
Page 15

Section 2 - Financial & Business Plan
(a) Overall Financial Strategy.
Provide a concise summary of how the applicant considers it is able to establish and maintain, throughout the licence period, its
proposed service, and how this licence fits in with the investors' strategy.
BLR will be an entrepreneurial creative radio company with an innovative bright passionate style. It will explore ways to make radio more
relevant to the Banbury area ensuring its output is fresh and locally relevant. BLR is an independent company backed by an emerging radio
group with resources and funding. Factors that are relevant to its 12 year business plan are as follows.
Broadcast Area
The Banbury area has not been served by other commercial radio stations since the early days of Fox FM. As a result it has become fiercely
independent and is looking for its own radio station.
The Banbury area is one of the most prosperous in the UK (source Cherwell District Council). The area has a blend of town and country
lifestyles with a potential audience that expects a lively and entertaining local station. BLR understands it will have to produce high quality
programmes to build its audience.
Over 60% of the population are over 30 years of age. Amongst the 30 to 40 years olds the population is 18% higher than the UK average.
This is the demographic advertisers like to reach. In terms of married/cohabitating households the Banbury area has one of the highest levels
in the UK (58% of households) making this area very attractive for potential advertisers.
Over 40% of all homes have two or more cars and 75% of all homes are owner occupied. Employment is very high with 71% of the population
in regular employment and of those who travel to work 91% do so by car (source National Census 2001).
In addition plans are in hand for a further 1000 homes within the TSA showing the strong demand for new properties within the area (source
Banbury Town Council).
Conclusion: The area is one of the wealthiest in the UK. Research proves it will support its own local radio station in
audience and advertiser terms. This is shown in the following audience and income points below.
Digital Radio
Currently there are no digital multiplexes operating in Oxfordshire and from research carried out by BLR was unable to find at present any
scheduled date for a multiplex to begin operation. BLR accepts that Digital Radio is how broadcasting will carried out in the future but in the
immediate future and post award our goal will be to make the station a financial success.
BLR is conscious that once a multiplex for Oxfordshire is operational it must aim to join at the earliest point. The BLR Board will review the
position of the company and also the Digital listening figures for the area. From this BLR will set a realistic date when it can join the multiplex.
This will allow BLR to expand the listening opportunities for local residents, yet keeping BLR in a financially strong position.
Conclusion: BLR has considered all aspects of digital radio including any possible threats. However it sees digital radio as
an opportunity and will embrace this new technology as soon as it is possible.
Potential Audience
This audience is covered in detail in point D below. However an outline of the type of comment that came back in BLR’s research tells us that:
I would listen to it as my number one station, provided the music
was good and not head-banging.
Female, 41
I’d listen to it most, and spend more time listening than I do now.
Male, 23
Page 16

I’d make it my regular station, and would probably be inclined to
listen more.
Male, 27
We’ve needed a station for a long, long time, because other
stations can’t accommodate such a growing town. There’s talk of
another one thousand homes and the populace here need to
know that they have a voice piece.
Male, 44
BLR has used the radio experience of Nigel Reeve and David Maker to produce realistic audience projections. Their experience coupled with
market research has resulted in BLR predicting a weekly reach of 17% of the population in year one rising to 19% in year three.
Conclusion: BLR will achieve these realistic audience projections and build a loyal audience.
Income
This is covered in point C below. Year one revenue is projected to be £281,597 rising to £427,335 in year three. Potential advertisers were
asked how much they would be prepared to pay over a four week period. Responses included:
As a new business, and growing (opened in April 2003), £5-600
is a reasonable price.
John Starley, Cartridge World
(I would expect to pay) about £1,000 to £1,500.
Stuart Moore, Banbury Personnel
Research indicated that advertisers would be comfortable spending a figure of £1000 per month on average. This figure was further
supported with its experience during the two RSL’s. A total of 53 advertising campaigns were broadcast with an average spend of £470 per
advertiser. This figure is exceptionally high for a trial broadcast re-emphasising the revenue potential.
As a result of the research and the high response to BLR’s two RSL’s, it has set the four week rate at £1000 for 140 x 30 second commercials.
Using this information, two methods have been used to calculate the income using the size of the Banbury area advertising market and lastly
the average local advertising spend. The average of the two has been used to calculate the forecast revenue (see below).
The projections will deliver a profitable company in year 3.
Conclusion: There is a clear demand from local advertisers for a local radio advertising medium in the Banbury area.
Page 17

Cost base
To ensure BLR is a profitable success the board realises that BLR must work to a low cost base. Budgets are realistic but not stifling. The key
areas of expenditure are:
Pre Operational:
Below is a breakdown of the planned post award but pre launch expenditure.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Office / Studios;
Office Equipment/Furniture £10,000 Depreciated over 5 years
Telephone System £5,000
Building Improvements £15,000
Equipment Installation
Computers;
£5,000
Desktops and Printers £10,000 Depreciated over 3 years
Web Site £1,200
Total Fixed Assets
PRE OPERATIONAL EXPENDITURE
£46,200
Salar ies;
Programming / News £9,256 1 month
Sales £5,650 2 months
Administration £22,350 4 months
Total Salaries £37,256
Other Expenses;
Advertising £25,000
Application Costs £137,735
Printing £3,000
Total Other Expenses £165,735
Working Capital £188,544 Based on raising £300,000 post award
TOTAL PRE OPERATIONAL £437,735
Staffing:
BLR will have a total of 8 full time staff and 5 part time staff. The salaries quoted below are inline with other comparable stations of this size
within the area. BLR has used the radio experience of Nigel Reeve and David Maker to calculate these salaries.
Administration Salary NI Total Number
Station Manager (Sales Manager) £35,000 £4,550 £39,550 1
Management Fee £25,000
Chairman’s Fee £2,500 1(p-t)
Total £67,050 2
Sales Salary NI Total Number
Sales Executives x 2 £30,000 £3,900 £33,900 2
Total £33,900 2
Programming Salary NI Total Number
Head of Programming £18,000 £18,000 1
Presenter £15,000 £15,000 1
Freelance/Holiday & Sickness Budget £20,000 £20,000 3(p-t)
Total £53,000 5
News Salary NI Total Number
Head of News £16,500 £2,145 £18,645 1
Journalist £14,500 £1,885 £16,385 1
Journalist/Presenter £15,000 £1,950 £16,950 1
Freelance/Holiday & Sickness Budget £6,100 £6,100 1(p-t)
Total £58,080 4
Total Full Time Staff 8
Total Part Time Staff 5
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The station manager and the sales team will also be part of a bonus scheme for achieving agreed targets. The first level will pay an annual
figure of £10,000 and this is included in the budget figures. They will be given heavy incentives to beat these figures with a self-financing
bonus scheme.
BLR has an experienced and well respected Station Manager with experience in senior radio management roles in Oxfordshire who has agreed
to join the company post award. Please see Confidential Appendix 2 for full details and CV for the Station Manager.
Premises:
For the past two years BLR has had permanent offices at 42 South Bar in the centre of Banbury. These are currently being rented from Laser
Broadcasting Ltd. These premises consist of 1,200 square feet of office space in the centre of Banbury, which means the radio station will
offer easy access for the local audience. The premises are in the buildings basement which is ideal for a radio station. The cost of £14,000 pa
has been included in the budgeted figures and their instant availability will result in a smooth transition from the licence award to the start of
broadcast.
Support Infrastructure in Place:
The board of BLR realise that keeping costs low while maintaining standards will be key to making the company a success. BLR has contracted
emerging radio company Laser Broadcasting to supply a number of key services enabling it to have monthly running costs of below £27,000
per month in year one.
Laser Broadcasting has over 120 years of combined radio experience and is backed by a number of key investors including Northern
Enterprise Limited. The company already operates a fully functioning Accounts Department, IT/New Media Department, Programming
Department and contracted Engineering Department. These services are already supplied to a number of clients.
Laser will handle each of these areas for BLR plus Sales & Programme Training at substantially below market rates. In addition, Laser will
supply ongoing Management Support at a minimum level of 8 hours per week.
The total cost of these packages to BLR will be £25,000 per annum and this is included in the expenditure projections. These services are
estimated to reduce the BLR running costs by £51,500 per annum, making BLR’s costs competitive when compared to larger groups. Laser will
also supply significant radio experience unrivalled by a station of this size.
A formal contract between Laser Broadcasting and BLR is being drawn up and can be supplied if required. A breakdown of the services
supplied is below.
Management Services
• 8 Hours per week of Laser Broadcasting Director or senior staff member time
• Overseeing all aspects of company business
Accounts Services
• A full book keeping service using SAGE Line 50
• Manage & Control of Bank Account
• Detailed Sales Analysis figures
• Commercial Trafficking service including Broadnet Software or similar
• Monthly Management Accounts including P+L, Balance Sheet & Cash flow forecasts
• Monthly Payroll bureau service
• Handling all HM Customs, IR and Government statistic requirements
• Management of Annual Audit service and liaise with appointed auditors
IT/New Media Services
• Website Design & Maintenance
• Website Hosting & Content Supply
• Supply of Custom Web Management Software
• Email & Mailing Lists
• IT Setup & Maintenance
• IT Support (Phone & In-person)
• IT & Software Training
• SMS Text Message System
• Online Audio Streaming
• Detailed Statistics Reporting
• System Design & Maintenance
Programming Support Services
• Laser Broadcasting Director or Senior Staff member working with the station Programme Controller on all aspects of output
• Minimum 5 hours per week
• Regular review of station sound and output
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Sales Training Services
• During launch period a 2-day radio sales course
• Post commencement of broadcast 2 x 1 hour training sessions per month for Sales Executives
• Making campaigns work for clients
• Use of good creative commercials
• Reaching advertisers target market
• Opening and Closing sales
• Role Play
Engineering Services
• Testing of Equipment inline with HSE Standards
• 5 Hours monthly maintenance
• Emergency call outs
• Installation of equipment
Leasing:
Rentals payable under operation leases are charged against income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Transmission/Studio Equipment Leasing:
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight-line basis over the lease term
Depreciation:
Tangible Fixed Assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each
asset over its expected useful life.
The table below shows the Fixed Asset Depreciation Policy:
Cost Deprec.
Policy
Deprec.
Year 1
Deprec.
Year 2
Deprec.
Year 3
Deprec.
Year 4
Deprec.
Year 5
Office / Studios
Office Equipment / Furniture £10,000 5 years £2,000 £2,000 £2,000 £2,000 £2,000
Telephone System £5,000 5 years £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £1,000
Building / Equipment
Installation
£20,000 5 years £4,000 £4,000 £4,000 £4,000 £4,000
TOTAL
Computers
£35,000 £7,000 £7,000 £7,000 £7,000 £7,000
Desktops / Printers £10,000 3 years £3,333 £3,333 £3,333
Software £1,200 3 years £400 £400 £400
TOTAL £11,200 £3,733 £3,733 £3,733
GRAND TOTAL £46,200 £10,733 £10,733 £10,733 £7,000 £7,000
Conclusion: Through keeping its costs at a realistic level and using the services supplied by Laser Broadcasting, BLR will be
able to keep its running costs to below £27,000 per month in year one.
BLR Financing
BLR has already raised over £137,000, which has been paid and banked. This shows a massive level of commitment from its investors. These
investors are committed to backing the project post award and raising a minimum of a further £300,000. In addition, BLR investors have
already committed to a further £100,000 post award should it be required. Post award, the BLR board will be looking to implement a dividend
policy as soon as possible to ensure the station continues to have sufficient funding yet rewarding the investors.
Conclusion: The funding is already in place through to the station commencing broadcasting with close to £200,000 of
working capital being available on day one. In addition a further £100,000 has been committed if required.
Page 20

BLR Board
The board of BLR will be one of the strongest in commercial radio with over 60 years radio experience and 120 years local business
experience.
BLR will be a small local business and has to be run as such. Each board member has made a commitment to continue their involvement after
the award to bring levels of expertise that a business of this size could not normally sustain.
Conclusion: The BLR board have committed their vast experience to ensure BLR sets the highest standards during the 12
years of its licence.
BLR Investor Strategy
BLR’s investors are all committed to building the station and its audience. However they are looking for a long term return on their
investment. Based upon the current projections, dividend payments will start in year 5. The BLR Board has made the policy to deliver
dividends within 5 years of commencing broadcast.
Conclusion: All investors see BLR as a long term project with dividends paid in year 5 if not sooner.
(b) Funding.
Detail the sources of finance that will be used to fund the licence, under the following headings:
(i) Share capital
As of the date of application 128,455 ordinary A shares have been issued raising a total of £137,735. Post award a further 100,000 shares
will be issued at £3 per share raising a further £300,000.
(ii) Loan stock
There are no plans to issue any loan stock.
(iii) Leasing/HP facilities (capital value)
Studio and transmission equipment will be leased, as will three company cars. The capital value of the studio equipment is £16,000,
transmission equipment is £20,070 and the company cars are £37,080. A breakdown of the leasing arrangements is shown in Confidential
Appendix 3.
(iv) Bank overdraft
BLR is fully funded and the Directors do not believe an overdraft will be needed. However post award the company bankers, Lloyds TSB have
indicated the facility will be available if required.
(v) Grants and donations
None
(vi) Other (please specify)
None
Page 21

Where relevant, provide information on:
(i) Loan terms (e.g. interest rate, repayment terms, redemption/conversion terms);
N/A
(ii) Assets leased.
All assets leased by BLR will initially be over a period of three years. Confirmation letters regarding the studio/transmitter (including a
breakdown of equipment) and car leasing plans are attached as Confidential Appendix 3.
(c) Financial Projections.
The purpose of this question is to allow the applicant to demonstrate its understanding of the market. The forecasts should be
based on reasonable assumptions, that are logically applied and justifiable. The applicant should provide financial projections on
an annual basis for the licence.
(i) Income Projections
In calculating the revenue projections, BLR has used information supplied by the Advertising Association and the RAB. The strategy is to run a
radio service that delivers a profit from realistic income projections that have been put through a number of sensitivity tests. The revenue has
been calculated using the following methods:-
Method One - Size of Market
The first method is based on the size of the Banbury advertising market in terms of advertising spend. We have firstly used the advertising
market spend in North Oxfordshire (excluding TV) and then reduced this proportionally in line with the Banbury area population (source
Marketing In Practice/FCB). This gives a total advertising spend of £7,300,000 - producing the following for the Banbury Area Advertising
Spend.
Local Newspapers £6,000,000
Local Radio £600,000
Posters £400,000
Local Publications £200,000
Cinema £100,000
Final Total £7,300,000
*Source: Marketing In Practice/FCB
BLR has then factored in the predicted advertising industry growth figures as supplied by the Advertising Association, for the next 5 years.
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Growth 4.30% 1.20% 4.40% 4.40% 3.75%
Total £7,613,900 £7,705,267 £8,044,299 £8,398,248 £8,713,182
*Source: Advertising Association
Finally BLR has then taken the RAB projected radio shares figures for the next 5 years.
These produce the following revenue projections for BLR:
Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Local Advertising Market £7,613,900 £7,705,267 £8,044,299 £8,398,248 £8,713,182
Radio's Share 4.25% 4.25% 4.35% 4.45% 4.55%
Annual Projected revenue £323,591 £327,474 £349,927 £373,722 £396,450
Method Two - Local Monthly Spend
The second method looks at the size of advertising campaign local advertisers would like to buy over a 4-week period. We have based this on
35 commercials per week. BLR have then used research to establish the level local advertisers would be prepared to spend on a monthly basis
(see Section 6). Feedback from the research gave figures that varied from £700 per month up to £1,400. However BLR has been prudent and
taken a figure at the lower end of the scale. The figure used in these calculations for year one is £1,000 per month.
Page 22

BLR has then established an advertising policy of 9 minutes maximum per hour between 07.00-19.00 Monday to Friday and 07.00-14.00
Saturdays and Sundays. Projections have then been produced based on only 45% of the capacity being sold in year one, 52% in year two,
rising to 65% in years three to five. Outside of these hours a nominal 10% has been added to the calculations. Increases in audience size
and industry growth have been added to future years.
Income for Sponsorship and Promotions has been added at 18.39% plus commercial production at 5%. The percentages have been supplied
by the RAB.
This produces the following:
Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
BLR Projected Total Hours-000's 95.2 108.36 123.69 123.69 123.69
Year on Year Increase N/A 13.82% 14.15% 0.00% 0.00%
Radio's Growth N/A 2.35% 5.75% 6.95% 6.80%
Monthly Spend £1,000 £1,165 £1,374 £1,469 £1,569
Average Spot Rate £7.14 £8.32 £9.81 £10.50 £11.21
Units to sell per annum 69264 69264 69264 69264 69264
Percentage sold 45% 52% 65% 65% 65%
Total Airtime Revenue £222,634 £299,702 £441,842 £472,550 £504,686
Plus Sponsorship/Promotions £40,942 £55,115 £81,255 £86,902 £92,812
Plus Commercial Production Income £11,132 £14,985 £22,092 £23,627 £25,234
Peak Time Revenue £274,708 £369,803 £545,189 £583,079 £622,732
Off Peak Revenue @ 10% £27,471 £36,980 £54,519 £58,308 £62,237
Total Revenue £302,179 £406,783 £599,708 £641,387 £685,004
Each of these methods produces similar figures. BLR has calculated the average figure. Again a prudent approach has been adopted and a
further 10% taken from these figures. This produces the following:
Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Method One £323,591 £327,474 £349,927 £373,722 £396,450
Method Two £302,179 £406,783 £599,708 £641,387 £685,004
Total of Calculations £625,770 £734,257 £949,635 £1,015,109 £1,081,454
Average Revenue £312,885 £367,129 £474,818 £507,555 £540,727
Less 10% £31,289 £36,713 £47,482 £50,755 £54,073
Total Revenue £281,597 £330,416 £427,336 £456,799 £486,654
(ii) Profit and loss accounts
The profitability has been calculated over the first 5 years of the licence to demonstrate the long term financial return. These are shown in
Confidential Appendix 4. The profit and loss accounts are based on:
• National Sales Commission at 25%
• Bad Debt provision of 1%
• PRS/PPL at rates based on the time of application
Staff are appointed:
• Station Manager - 4 Months
• Sales Staff - 2 Months
• Programming/News - Staff 1 Month
Other costs:
• Premises at £14,000 per annum inline with current costs
• Electricity inline with a standard station of this size
• OFCOM fees as per the Banbury are advertisement
• Licence fees based on broadnet traffic licence fees
Page 23

• Advertising/Promotions spend of £25,000 pre-launch, £1000 per calendar month for first 6 months of broadcast and £500 per
calendar month thereafter
All other cost areas have been explained in further detail within the section.
(iii) Balance sheets
These are shown in Confidential Appendix 4.
(iv) Cash-flow forecasts.
The period covered is at the discretion of the applicant, but should be justified. The forecasts should be supplied on an Excel
spreadsheet or similar, with any accompanying guidance notes.
This section must include a full listing of the underlying assumptions on which the financial projections are based, relating such
assumptions clearly to other parts of the application (e.g. proposed format, extent of coverage area). The applicant should detail
how revenue figures were derived, distinguishing between local, national and sponsorship revenue. The response to this
question may be submitted in confidence.
These are shown in Confidential Appendix 4. Cashflow assumptions are:
Sales Income based on:
• Year 1 and 2
50% at 30 days, 50% at 31 days plus
• Year 3
40% at 30 days, 60% at 31 days plus
• Year 4 and 5
35% at 30 days, 65% at 31 days plus
Creditor payments:
• Staff costs at end of month
• Creditor average 45 days
At no time does the cashflow fall below £105,000 positive (November Year 3). The BLR board has considered whether the full initial
investment is necessary, especially as it will be year 5 before there are available profits to distribute. BLR has carried out a sensitivity test
over the first five years of the operation. Based on revenue dropping by 10% and running costs increasing by 5%, the bank position,
although remaining in credit, is down to £23,500 positive in November Year 3. Because of this the BLR board has committed the full
investment sum at this stage (plus an additional £100,000 if required). A copy of this sensitivity analysis can be supplied if required.
Based on the above figures the company is budgeting on a return for investors in year 5 if not sooner.
(d) Audience Projections
(i) The projected adult (aged 15+) population of the Total Survey Area (TSA) within which it is intended to measure the
listenership of the service;
The projected adult population of the Banbury area as per Section 3 of this document is 70,000 adults.
(ii) Projections for listenership ratings (e.g. weekly reach, average weekly hours of listening) over the first three years of the
service, with detailed demographic breakdowns as appropriate;
Banbury Local Radio will have a broad appeal with a core audience aged 30 – 54 years, as indicated by research conducted by BLR. The main
points substantiating these projections are detailed below in point (iv).
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BLR projections are:
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Adult TSA (000) 70 70 70
Reach (%) 17.0 18.0 19.0
Reach (000) 11.9 12.6 13.3
Ave Hours 8.0 8.6 9.3
Tot Hours 95,200 108,360 123,690
(iii) The expected impact of the proposed service on existing services, in listenership terms;
The proposed music policy of Banbury Local Radio is most comparable with Radio 2; therefore it is expected to pick up listeners from this
station. This view is further endorsed by the finding that ‘music’ was cited as the main reason respondents listened to their chosen radio
station.
Apart from Radio 2, Banbury Local Radio would expect to gain listeners from Radio 1, as almost one-third (31.0%) of Radio 1’s listenership
nationally* is in the 25 to 34 age group, which represents the younger end of Banbury Local Radio’s core target market and the proposed
service would be expected to attract listening from this group.
By providing a more localised news and information service than BBC Oxford, Banbury Local Radio also anticipates gaining listeners from that
station. In addition, it is hoped to attract some of the 10.5 per cent of the population of the proposed transmission area who do not listen to
the radio currently. This view has been reached after detailed analysis of the research tables which are available in Appendix 4.
In terms of commercial radio listening, currently research shows that Fox FM is the most popular station in the Banbury area even though it is
targeting a younger audience. Fox FM has seen its market share consistently drop from 19.5% in quarter 2 2003 to 14.7% in quarter 4 2004
(source RAJAR). This indicates dissatisfaction with the service.
Originally Fox FM was established as a Banbury area radio station but the station has now shifted its focus to Oxford. Despite this factor and
the station appealing to a younger audience, commercial radio listeners in the area have no alternative but to listen. Research indicates that
these listeners are likely to listen to BLR as opposed to Fox FM. The proposed service is expected to reduce the local reach of the Fox FM
whilst also affecting their listening hours.
Using the programming experience of Nigel Reeve and David Maker, BLR believes the trial effect will be a reduction in other stations listening
hours during the launch period of BLR with a long term reduction in reach for the areas existing services.
* Source: RAJAR / Ipsos-RSL, period ending 12th September 2004
(iv) The basis on which the estimates above have been calculated, and any assumptions taken into account.
The basis for BLR’s estimated 17% reach has been calculated by using the following methods:
1. Assessing potential audience levels with independently commissioned research from previous research results.
2. Examination of RAJAR results for other radio services operating in similar sized markets around the Midlands area.
These results, as detailed in Section 6, indicate that BLR should be a lifestyle, with the core audience being 30 – 54 year olds.
A telephone call-out survey conducted by Marketing in Practice between 27th January and 1st February 2003, during Banbury Local Radio’s
first RSL broadcast, found that the station had a weekly reach of 4.7% - a figure which rose to 6.9% among 25 to 54 year-olds.
This study also investigated awareness of Banbury Local Radio and found that 26.2% of respondents had heard of the radio station. If
awareness of Banbury Local Radio were to rise to 90.0 per cent, the same conversion of awareness to listeners would give the service a
weekly reach of 16.15%. This reach increases to 23.71% amongst the 25 – 54 year old audience.
Face to face interviews were conducted in August 2003 that again investigated BLR’s reach during the second RSL. 27.8% of respondents
had listened at some point with 32.5% of the 25 – 54 year old age band having listened. Of the respondents in the 25 – 54 year old age
band who had listened, 35.9% replied that they had listened regularly.
Page 25

Banbury Local Radio expects that, with its proposed programming service, supported by a substantial marketing spend, its listening levels will
be in line with other mainstream services currently operating around the Midlands. In particular, it is hoped to achieve levels similar to those
of two other market town-based services, Mix 96 and The Bear.
Analysis of the published RAJAR results for these services reveal that in the RAJAR period ending 12th September 2004 Mix 96 recorded a
weekly reach of 35.2% and average hours listened of 12.3, while The Bear recorded 25.5% reach and 12.1 hours.
In conclusion BLR’s projected reach of 17% in year one remains realistic. Current plans being discussed for Banbury’s future growth include
the building of 1000 new homes in the area. This will have a further impact on BLR’s listening numbers and potential reach although. As no
firm schedule has yet been produced, BLR felt that it would be unreliable to include these into listener projections.
Page 26

Section 3 - Transmission Proposals
(i) Provide details of the transmission site you propose to use, under the following
headings:
(a) Name and National Grid Reference of site;
(b) Height of site above Ordnance datum (in metres);
(c) Height of transmitting aerial above ground level (in metres);
(d) Radiated power in either or both planes of polarisation, and aerial radiation pattern (if no aerial radiation pattern is
submitted, it will be assumed without exception to be omni-directional)
BLR proposes to use NTL Farthinghoe to achieve satisfactory coverage of the editorial area. OFCOM’s licence advertisement suggests that, if
this site were to be used, a TSA of 70,000 would be achieved – similar to that of Fox FM’s relay, already broadcasting from this site. However,
computer coverage predictions generated using the advertised 200W have proved that coverage will be slightly less than that achieved by the
existing 97.4MHz service from Farthinghoe, which uses a slightly higher ERP of 300W.
BLR therefore requests that, if technically feasible, OFCOM considers allowing the same ERP of 300W for this new licence. This would allow
solid coverage of Banbury, the surrounding area and all major trunk routes. Projections and coverage predictions therefore represent a
service achieved by using 300W ERP.
However, BLR has taken the precaution of also commissioning coverage predictions for a service using 200W ERP, in order to ensure that the
slightly smaller TSA achieved at the advertised power would not impact upon, or change the basis of this application in any significant
manner.
The site details are summarised in the table below:
Site Name NGR Site Height AOD Antenna Height AGL Radiated Power (Hor./Ver.) Antenna Type Bearing
Farthinghoe SP532387 157m 46m 150w/150w Omni 270° ETN
BLR has approached the site owners, NTL, to request suitable antenna aperture and equipment accommodation. NTL have confirmed that this
will be technically and commercially feasible subject to final survey and commercial arrangements. An e-mail, as evidence to support this fact,
can be submitted upon request.
Local authority planning will be required if an additional antenna is deemed necessary. The relevant authority is Banbury Town Council. NTL
would apply for Planning Permission on BLR’s behalf and have confirmed that the application would follow the normal planning procedures,
with a decision being announced six to eight weeks after receipt of application. The application will be submitted on award of the licence.
(ii) Please provide a detailed computer predicted map (in colour) of the coverage anticipated using the transmission site and
parameters described above.
BLR commissioned TX Techniques Ltd to produce a computer generated coverage prediction map, which is shown below. The map was
prepared using Hertzmapper software, with a terrain resolution of 50m and variable clutter algorithms. It can be seen that the proposed
arrangements offer solid coverage of the core area, the surrounding settlements, and the major trunk routes.
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(iii) Describe proposed arrangements for transmission provision (installation, maintenance and repair).
BLR has engaged TX Techniques Ltd to design and install the transmission system. TX Technique’s qualified engineers have many years
experience gained within the broadcast industry and supplied equipment for a number of sites commissioned by OFCOM, both directly and via
agents. The system will comply with all provisions of the Engineering Code originally published by the Radio Authority.
Ongoing compliance with the Engineering Code will be ensured by two annual preventative maintenance visits, contracted to TX Techniques
Ltd. All key parameters will be checked against commissioning records and any necessary adjustments recorded in the station handbook.
The main transmission system will be designed to exhibit a high degree of resilience by means of dual drive chains, UPS protection of key
components, ISDN backup of the studio transmitter link and tertiary backup by means of a CD player. Service continuity is thus ensured in all
but the most severe fault conditions.
Corrective maintenance of the transmission system will be assigned to TX Techniques Ltd on a call-out basis. TX Techniques Ltd will hold
spares stock of critical items.
(iv) What is the anticipated time-lapse between the award of licence and start of broadcasting?
It is anticipated that Banbury Local Radio will commence broadcasting within 26 weeks of the licence award.
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Section 4 - Programming Philosophy
[ SECTION 105(B) AND (C): CATERING FOR TASTES AND INTERESTS/BROADENING CHOICE ]
(i) This sub-section of the application should take the form of a statement setting out the applicant’s overall programming
philosophy and vision for the radio service.
Programming Philosophy
BLR will be an innovative local station for the Banbury area. The station will have a broad appeal with a core audience of 30 – 54 year olds,
featuring highly focused local news and information plus music from the last 40 years.
BLR’s philosophy is based upon creating an exciting radio station with an innovative bright style. It will explore ways to make radio more
relevant to the Banbury area ensuring its output is fresh and locally relevant.
Programming Vision: News Service
Although music comprises approximately 75% of BLR’s output, local news and information will take highest priority. BLR believes all news is
local and every news and feature item will be presented from a Banbury perspective.
News does not break at convenient times to on-air output and BLR will react accordingly incorporating news into general programming. If
sanctioned by the news editor, live updates will continue via studio contributions, radio car or other sources directly into programming.
BLR will not only report local news and events but also generate news through its own programmes. A typical broadcasting day would see the
stories of the morning, the 1-2-1 hour (as detailed below), and other feature strands creating the interviews and speech content for the
afternoon and the following morning’s news.
BLR will locally manage and operate an independent newsroom featuring three broadcast journalists. However, all BLR staff will be expected
to contribute towards gathering and presenting local news. The BLR news service will be totally independent of any other media interest.
Weekday local news bulletins will begin at 06:00 and continue until 18:30 with an IRN bulletin being taken via network from 19:00 until
05:00. BLR will have an on-call system where a journalist is always available in the event of a major event or incident. BLR’s running order
policy will always give highest priority to local stories. The bulletin may lead with a national story but BLR will endeavour to find the Banbury
angle.
The traditional roles of journalism and presentation will be merged at BLR with all presenters given training on interview, legal and reporting
techniques and all journalists given training in presentation skills. Multi-skilled staff will be the key to BLR maintaining its level of high quality
local news. This training will be provided as part of Laser Broadcasting’s ongoing services.
BLR will subscribe to the Independent Radio News service for national and international news. Daytime bulletins will be a mixture of local and
national news ensuring BLR has editorial control over the construction of its bulletins which will be live throughout the day. BLR does not
propose a remote bespoke service as this method loses the ability to take a ‘live feed’ into the bulletin.
Actualities will be encouraged to be studio quality as opposed to telephone quality. Only when all other opportunities of quality sound have
been used will phone quality go to air. BLR will provide Banbury with a quality independent news service.
BLR listeners demand a dynamic radio station that informs in an open and accessible way. BLR will have regular on-air contributions from key
people in local organisations and volunteers from the network of villages.
Programming Vision: Local Sport
Research shows an appetite for local sport coverage within Banbury providing BLR the opportunity to differentiate itself from existing radio
services. BLR will provide a commitment to Banbury and its many surrounding communities with daily sports bulletins featuring local sports
news.
BLR will cover the areas sporting activities including teams such as Banbury United Football Club, Banbury Rugby Union Football Club,
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Banbury Cricket Club and Banbury Harriers Athletic Club. BLR will not exclude smaller teams and those in the outlying villages as these are all
important contributors to the local sports scene.
As indicated in the research carried out after the first RSL, motorsport plays a key role in the area with organisations such as B.A.R. and Pro-
Drive in the transmission area. Coverage will feature prominently in BLR’s output. Interest in motorsport is understandably high in Banbury
with its proximity to Silverstone and the world of Formula 1.
A twice weekly local sports magazine will provide exposure and support to local sporting events and organisations with contributions and
involvement from the local community.
Programming Vision: Traffic and Travel
BLR understands the need of Banbury’s travelling public and how quickly information can change. Frequent traffic reports will run from 06:00
until 19:00 and will be broadcast as often as a situation merits. Local traffic will be kept up to date with BLR’s planned association with Castle
Cabs and Banbury’s sizeable commuter community (over 91% of the workforce travel to work by car – source National Census 2001) will be
kept informed through comprehensive Trafficlink regional traffic reports as well as information supplied by listeners.
BLR will closely monitor and deliver information from the rail stations, bus stations and local airports - in particular Birmingham, Reading and
the relevant London train stations plus all the Midlands and Southern airports. In addition BLR will provide parking updates from Castle Quay
Shopping Centre during peak shopping hours.
Programming Vision: Speech Programming
BLR’s research proves local quality speech content for Banbury is virtually non-existent on the present commercial radio services and
Banbury’s listeners require more than just wall to wall music. Those in the over 30 age group want a ‘Voice for Banbury that allows them to
express their opinions on air.’ Quality speech output is not just for news and BLR will cover the day to day needs of our listeners with travel,
weather, and what’s-on but also provide a much deeper commitment to relevant local speech (See Section 6).
Research shows rural issues and environmental concerns are important to potential listeners and do not feature on the present commercial
radio stations in the area. BLR’s news and presentation team will be specifically briefed to ensure local issues from all sectors find a place in
the news and features output.
BLR output will feature a regular 1-2-1 hour giving BLR’s listeners the chance to discuss relevant issues. The 1-2-1 subject matter will include
for example council departments, local decision makers and public utilities. Other subjects could include money questions, consumer advice,
health questions and other day to day lifestyle matters.
Programming Vision: Presentation Style
Professional presentation from broadcasters possessing strong local knowledge is key. Entertainment and information is demanded by BLR’s
audience (see Section 6) and standards will be maintained by constant appraisals, ROT checks, and feedback from the station management.
BLR in-house training will encourage the development of local talent wherever possible.
Programming Vision: Music Policy
BLR will play popular hit music from the past 40 years as research shows this to be the preferred music of the core audience (See Section 6).
This policy is non-exclusive as BLR will also play music of any genre providing it is suitable in style to our listeners’ demands. No more than
20% of BLR’s daytime music will be from the current chart. BLR will also programme genre-based music output in non-daytime slots.
The range and quantity of music will be wider and greater than the other services in the area. An active core of 1300 tracks will enhance the
choice offered to BLR listeners. This will provide the much-needed variety and low repetition to fill the demand for a wider range of music
than is presently on offer in Banbury.
Research reveals a strong and varied local music scene in Banbury and demand for specialist music programmes which will feature in BLR’s
output (See Section 6).
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Programming Vision: Accessibility
BLR will have its own sponsored radio car. BLR has identified this as a crucial way of building the relationship with listeners.
The BLR Radio Car will be sent out into the Banbury community providing listeners and the radio station access to each another. All on-air
interviews, whether studio or outside based, will be recorded, edited and incorporated into the news output. The highlights of the day’s
interviews and local news will be replayed in the BLR evening programme.
BLR’s accessibility to the Banbury community is a vital element of programming policy. A policy of free promotion is extended to all local nonprofit,
charity and community organisations both on-air and on the BLR website. The hourly ‘What’s On Guide’ will briefly highlight community
notices and direct listeners to the BLR website where comprehensive information will be found.
BLR will embrace new technology. BLR’s audience will be able to access news, sport, entertainment, school holiday information and
community news via our website. This will be a rolling service and updated in real time via the newsroom. Important interviews will be taken
off-air and available to be downloaded from the BLR website via the custom content system supplied by Laser Broadcasting. Also, longer
versions of news clips will be made available for download.
BLR’s audience will be encouraged to participate in the ‘1-2-1’ debate where SMS texts, emails and telephone calls will be collated and
presented live on-air.
Listeners will be encouraged to email or phone-in their questions off-air. Filtering and balance checks will ensure the presenter reflects the
feelings of the population. Under certain circumstances and topic areas, the listener will be allowed on air (Call backs will be made in such
instances).
Programming Vision: General Programming
BLR’s programmes will contain regular weather, sport and travel updates. These will have a higher frequency during peak time programming
to suit the listeners’ needs. BLR will also feature local business updates and where relevant farming, faith, environmental and health issues.
The emphasis will be on the locality of Banbury and its surrounding areas. BLR will be live and local - not recorded and distant. BLR will be
totally independent with no conflict of interests serving ‘other’ media outlets.
(ii) The strategies which the applicant proposes to implement in regard to:
• catering for the tastes and interests, general or particular, of persons living in the area;
Catering for the Tastes and Interests
A major consideration is BLR’s knowledge of the community. Banbury has its own identity and is the focal point of North Oxfordshire’s many
communities. Originally founded in Saxon times with significant Roman origins, the town has grown up on the once vital Oxford Canal. Times
have changed, but the town still holds on to its rich boating heritage built up over the centuries. Banbury is proud of its way of life where
fierce local pride and identity is prevalent.
The construction of the M40 dramatically improved Banbury’s travel links to London and subsequently attracted business headquarters and
residents to the area. BLR will be sensitive to the needs of the whole population and provide balanced programming both in terms of content
and style.
The area is one of the wealthiest in the UK with a thriving business community that continues to expand (see Section 2).
Banbury is constantly in the shadow of its larger neighbour Oxford, and consistently finds itself on the outside looking in. Banbury is
routinely treated as a programming afterthought and local people resent this. There is an appetite for local radio dedicated to the area and
no desire for more radio services governed and managed from outside the area. Banbury people have indicated they do not want is a radio
station with local opt outs within programming or news coming from other areas (see Section 6).
BLR has spent two and a half years consulting with the people and organisations of Banbury. Research, consultations, presentations,
broadcasts, and promotions have told BLR it needs to provide a professional radio service dedicated and responsive to the needs of the
Banbury area. This will develop a substantial and loyal audience.
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Below are key points BLR will include in its programming that will cater specifically for Banbury’s tastes. Demand for each of these areas has
been clearly shown in Section 6.
• BLR will provide a highly focused local news service.
• BLR will include local information within all programmes.
• BLR will have locally knowledgeable presentation.
• BLR will play a broad range and style of music.
• BLR will offer unique, interactive speech programming.
• BLR will have a highly visible community presence via radio car.
• BLR will be interactive with the 1-2-1 programme.
• BLR will focus on local promotions and competitions.
• BLR will programme regular on-air local discussions.
• broadening the range of local commercial services available in the area;
Radio Services Currently Available
The programme philosophy has also taken into account the current local commercial radio service available in the area, provided by Fox FM.
BLR monitored their output to assess the ‘localness’ to Banbury. The results supported the demand for the service BLR proposes to offer.
A Survey conducted by Laser Broadcasting during the week commencing Monday 20th December 2004 revealed the following:
Fox FM is currently the most listened-to station with its output consisting of contemporary chart music and information. Although its licence
covers the 15 to 44 age group, at the time of survey, the station averaged around 12 tracks per daytime hour, 9 of these were current or
from the past 3 months. BLR will play music of a much wider demographic range, no more than 20% of daytime output will feature current or
chart music, with the remainder spread from the previous four decades.
General programming and travel all concentrated heavily on Oxford and its immediate area. It was also noted that studio quality audio in news
bulletins featured again primarily from Oxford. BLR’s local news team will dedicate it’s time to the local news agenda with a strong brief to
feature studio quality voices rather than phone interviews (see news section).
BLR will be very different in tone and pace. It will sound contemporary and relevant without the sometimes brash sound of its adjoining rivals.
At the time of our survey, in terms of speech based programming with credible editorial content, very little speech concerning Banbury or its
immediate surroundings was noted. This was due to the dominance of the city of Oxford in setting the station’s news agenda. This was
equally reflected in feature material that, although sometimes regionally relevant, was never specific to Banbury.
BLR will be a radio station for the people of Banbury and the surrounding villages offering programming reflecting the area’s daily life. BLR
will give an important voice to Banbury highlighting issues that are not presently addressed.
Broadening the Range of Local Services
BLR has presented clear evidence that the Banbury radio listener demands more choice. Currently, Banbury is a programming afterthought;
BLR will transform Banbury listener choice and make BLR the desired choice.
Below are key points BLR will include in its programming that will expand listener choice in Banbury.
• BLR will be the only station to give local Banbury area news highest priority with three dedicated journalists.
• BLR will be the only station to broadcast tailored traffic and travel information relevant to Banbury with benefit of the radio car and
association with Castle Cabs.
• BLR will be the only station to offer a different mixture of music appealing to a broad based Banbury audience.
• BLR will be the only station to provide local people and organisations the opportunity to voice their views on-air. No other commercial
station currently does this.
• BLR will be the only station to offer affordable advertising for local businesses. Advertisers can be on air for as little as £100 per
week.
• BLR will be the only station to feature Banbury weather information focusing on the Banbury area.
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• BLR will be the only station to provide 100% locally produced programmes.
• BLR will be the only station to offer a flexible and reactive programming style.
• BLR will be the only station to be an independent station managed, produced and presented in Banbury.
• BLR will be the only station to feature regular on-air local debates and discussions.
• the provision of local material, if any;
• the proportion of locally-made programming, if any should be set out in this section;
Local Programming
100% of BLR’s programmes, excluding IRN news, will originate locally with all daytime programmes being locally produced and presented.
BLR will actively seek out local speech content and provide Banbury with easy access to their local radio station and its programmes.
(iii) If appropriate, the applicant may also provide a typical programme-by-programme weekday schedule, to give a flavour for
the direction of the station.
BLR has illustrated its programming and news schedule below and has also provided details of staff rotas showing how it can deliver these
services within the budget.
Monday – Friday:
06:00 Breakfast Presenter 1 Including Radio Car Inserts
09:00 Local hits and headlines Presenter 1
10:00 Mid-mornings Presenter 2 Including Radio Car Inserts
13:00 Banbury @ 1 Journalist 1
13:08 Mid-mornings (continued) Presenter 2
14:00 Afternoons Presenter 3
15:00 Notice Board Presenter 3
17:00 Banbury @ 5 Journalist 2
17:08 Drivetime Presenter 3
19:00 Music and Days Highlights Automated - Pre-recorded
22:00 Overnights Automated – Voice tracked
Saturday:
07:00 Weekend Breakfast Freelance Presenter 3 Including Radio Car Inserts
10:00 Entertainment/Interactive Quiz Freelance Presenter 1
13:00 Banbury @ 1 Journalist 1 Including Radio Car Inserts
13:08 Retro hits & headlines Freelance Presenter 1
14:00 Music & sports service Freelance Presenter 2
18:00 Saturday Night & Overnight Automated – Voice tracked
Sunday:
07:00 Weekend Breakfast + Guest (interview
/ newspaper review)
Freelance Presenter 3 Including Radio Car Inserts
10:00 Interactive Quiz/Request Show Freelance Presenter 2
13:00 Banbury @ 1 Journalist 2 Including Radio Car Inserts
13:08 Banbury’s Sunday Roast Freelance Presenter 2
16:00 Specialist Music (varied) Freelance Presenter 1
19:00 Sunday Night & Overnight Automated – Voice tracked
News Output
BLR’s journalists will work very closely with the programming team to arrange local interviews and features. BLR’s programming will supply a
regular source of local news.
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BLR will have three fulltime broadcast journalists. A typical schedule follows below:
Journalist 1 (Editor): Compile news for morning and afternoon 05:00 – 13:00
Monday – Friday Newsreader 06:00 – 13:00
Journalist 2: Compile news for afternoon and next morning 11:00 – 19:00
Monday – Friday Newsreader 14:00 – 18:30
Journalist 3 (& Presenter 2): Compile news and assist Journalist 1 & 2 with news content 14:00 – 16:00
Audio collection & interviewing 08:00 – 10:00
Each journalist will be expected to work every third weekend on either the Saturday or Sunday shift. A further freelance budget of £2,100 has
been included to cover the alternate day over weekends. As part of this, journalists will be expected to cover public holidays on a rotation
basis. In addition to the freelance budget a further £4,000 has been allocated to cover holidays and sickness within the news team.
This shows the bulletin schedule for the news.
Monday - Friday Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
06:00 ~ Local 4 mins 07:00 ~ Local 4 mins
06:30 ~ Local 2 mins 07:30 ~ Local 2 mins
07:00 ~ Local 4 mins 08:00 ~ Local 4 mins
07:30 ~ Local 2 mins 08:30 ~ Local 2 mins
08:00 ~ Local 6 mins 09:00 ~ Local 4 mins
08:30 ~ Local 2 mins 09:30 ~ Local 2 mins
09:00 ~ Local 4 mins 10:00 ~ Local 4 mins
09:30 ~ Local 2 mins 11:00 ~ Local 4 mins
10:00 ~ Local 4 mins 12:00 ~ Local 4 mins
11:00 ~ Local 4 mins 13:00 ~ Local 4 mins
12:00 ~ Local 4 mins 14:00 - 06:00 ~ IRN
12:30 ~ Local 2 mins
13:00 ~ Local 8 mins
13:30 ~ Local 2 mins
14:00 ~ Local 4 mins
15:00 ~ Local 4 mins
16:00 ~ Local 4 mins
16:30 ~ Local 2 mins
17:00 ~ Local 8 mins
17:30 ~ Local 2 mins
18:00 ~ Local 6 mins
18:30 ~ Local 2 mins
19:00 – 05:00 ~ IRN
Presentation
At launch BLR will have three full-time and three freelance presenters who will greatly contribute in the compilation, production and
presentation of local news and information. Outside appearances, public speaking, additional briefs and training will be part of BLR’s
presenter job description.
Presenter 1: Radio Car 10:00 – 12:00
Production 12:00 – 13:00
Weekday Breakfast Presenter 06:00 – 10:00
Presenter 2: Radio Car 08:00 – 10:00
(Journalistic Background) News Gathering 14:00 – 16:00
Weekday Mid-Morning Presenter 10:00 – 14:00
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Presenter 3: Programming Duties 10:00 – 14:00
(Programme Controller) Production 14:00 – 15:00
Weekday Afternoon Presenter 15:00 – 19:00
Freelance Presenter 1: Pre recorded Mon – Wed Evening 17:00 – 18:30
Radio Car Weekend 08:00 – 10:00
Weekend Mid-day Presenter 11:00 – 15:00
Freelance Presenter 2: Pre recorded Thurs & Fri Evening 17:00 – 18:30
Weekend Afternoon Presenter 15:00 – 19:00
Freelance Presenter 3: Weekend Breakfast Presenter 07:00 – 11:00
Radio Car Weekend 11:00 – 13:00
Presenter 2 will be a broadcast journalist with presentation experience. He/She will be responsible for the morning radio car shift which will
also entail collecting news stories and interviews. Within the journalistic role they will support the other journalists by assisting with the
gathering of stories and audio.
Section 5 - Programming Format
The Format will form part of the licence. Therefore, questions of clarification may be asked prior to licence award and the
wording amended to reflect this, if necessary.
(a) Station Name (working titles accepted);
(b) Service Duration. This is the number of hours you will broadcast each day. It should also include the maximum extent to
which you plan to automate programming, or the minimum level of live presentation (daytime/non-daytime).
(c) Locally-made programming. The level and type of locally-made programming (i.e. programming made within the licence
area) promised. It should also reflect a likely level of networked/syndicated material, and news-gathering arrangements.
(d) Character of Service. This is a clear, one or two sentence, description of the output and target audience.
(e) Detail. This should address, where appropriate:
• A clear description of the type/range of music.
• Specialist music programmes.
• A level of speech content (peak/non-peak)
• Any specific plans for local material.
• News obligations, local and national (weekdays and weekends, peak-time, non-peak, etc.)
• Other character-defining elements of programming.
Please see the following page for BLR’s format.
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Licence Outline
Station Name
Licence Area
Frequency
Service Duration
Definitions
Speech
Peaktime(s)
Daytime
Locally produced/presented
Character of Service
BANBURY LOCAL RADIO STATION FORMAT
Banbury 107.6
Banbury and Surrounding Area
107.6 FM
BLR will broadcast 24 hours a day (at least 18.5 hrs locally
produced/presented weekdays, 12 hrs weekends)
“Speech” excludes advertising, programme/promotional trails & sponsor credits,
and may be calculated across daytime or non-daytime.
“Peaktime(s)” refers to Weekday Breakfast and Afternoon Drivetime output, and
Weekend Late Breakfast.
“Daytime” refers to 0600 to 1900 weekdays, and weekend output from 0800 to
1400.
Production and presentation from within the licence area. All requirements for
locally produced/presented output must include peaktime.
BLR will be an innovative local station for the Banbury area. The station will have a broad
appeal with a core audience of 30 – 54 year olds, featuring highly focused local news and
information plus music from the last 40 years.
Detail
Although music comprises approximately 75% of BLR’s content, locally focussed speech is a very
important part of this service and will not fall below 25% of daytime output. All daytime programmes
will feature local information and the speech will be challenging, entertaining, and reflective of what is
happening in the area. There will be weekday phone-ins and local sport programmes.
Hourly local news and sport bulletins will feature in the daytime seven days a week with national news
featured at all other times. Significant local news and sport items will be featured in detail within
general programming. Weather, traffic, what’s on’s, and entertainment guides will feature at regular
intervals.
Non-daytime programming may feature specialist music programmes complimentary to the normal
BLR music mix.
Playlist music will be comprised of music from the past four decades with current songs not making up
more than 20% of the musical output.
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Section 6 - Evidence of Demand
[ SECTION 105(D): EVIDENCE OF LOCAL DEMAND OR SUPPORT ]
This section should provide an analysis of the reasons as to why it is considered that there is a demand for the type of service
proposed, with reference to the size and nature of the proposed target audience. If original market research has been
undertaken, please provide the following information:
(i) A statement of the key objectives of the research;
(ii) The specific questions that the research sought to answer;
(iii) How the research was conducted;
(iv) The size and composition of the sample(s);
(v) When and where the research was conducted;
(vi) A summary of the main findings from the research, showing how these demonstrate evidence of demand for the service
proposed;
(vii) Full data tables for any quantitative research undertaken (these may be submitted in confidence).
BLR will be a small-scale radio station broadcasting to a community who have felt for many years that they are ignored. They are not part of
Oxford to the south or Warwick to the north. This research has been designed to discover what the potential audience desire from a local
station and then been implemented to ensure BLR’s programme philosophy fits this demand.
BLR has carried out six separate research studies to further understand and establish levels of demand for a new, locally focused radio
service for the Banbury area.
1. Programming Research Findings
2. Quantitative Research (January 2003)
3. Quantitative Research (August 2003)
4. Programme Qualitative Research (September 2003)
5. Programme Qualitative Research (November 2004)
6. Music research (October 2004 & November 2004)
7. Sales Research Findings
8. Sales research (November 2004)
1. Programming Research Findings
BLR has learnt by conducting its different forms of research that public opinion is key to the stations success. BLR’s programming format and
philosophy has been compiled as a direct result from the research conducted. The research shows the demand for the station format that BLR
had tested via its two RSL’s and allowed the output to be tweaked for the second broadcast from research following the first.
By carrying out different styles and formats of research across various platforms, BLR has been able to establish a firm picture of what people
in the Banbury area want from a locally focused radio station and what they feel is important within the stations output. Specific points that
BLR learnt from the research include:
• The inclusion of strong local news covering Banbury and all the local villages in the area.
• The station being a voice for Banbury that crusades for local issues.
• Traffic & Travel information specifically relevant to the people of Banbury but including all main transportation methods as used by
people living in the area as well as travelling further afield.
• The opportunity for listeners to have their say and express their opinions.
• The need to cover local events and publicise them for listeners to know of their existence.
• The desire for an entertaining station that plays relevant music and features locally focused speech that listeners can relate to.
• The strong need for the station to remain local, giving local people a station they can call their own and access easily.
BLR had developed a format that has been implemented in the two RSL’s; however the research did highlight areas that needed consideration
such as the music policy and debate/discussion programme inclusion. The use of the research allowed BLR to refine its plans to further cater
for the area’s needs.
Over the following pages are details of the research conducted by BLR with expanded findings and conclusions for the results.
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2. Quantitative Research (January 2003)
Date of research:
A quantitative study was conducted between 27th January and 1st February 2003, during the final week of Banbury Local Radio’s first
Restricted Service Licence broadcasts.
Objectives:
The key objectives of this study were to establish levels of listening to the RSL broadcasts and comparative listening figures for other radio
services in the Banbury area.
Research sought to answer:
• Which radio services are listened to currently
• The main reason for listening to respondents’ chosen radio service
• Levels of awareness of Banbury Local Radio
• Appreciation of various elements of the service provided by Banbury Local Radio
How was it conducted?
This research used telephone call-outs to randomly selected residential numbers across the proposed broadcast area of the advertised
licence.
Size and composition of sample:
Quotas were applied to ensure that the sample reflected the profile of the population of the Banbury area, as shown in the table below. 507
adults aged 15 years-plus were contacted.
Category Population % Sample % Numbers
15-19 8.0 7.5 38
20-24 8.2 7.9 40
25-29 9.0 9.3 47
30-34 9.7 9.9 50
35-39 10.8 11.0 56
40-44 10.4 10.6 54
45-49 8.7 8.1 41
50-54 6.8 7.9 40
54-59 6.6 7.1 36
60-64 6.2 6.1 31
65+ 15.6 14.6 74
Male 49.7 49.7 252
Female 50.3 50.3 255
ABC1 61.8 57.2 290
C2DE 38.2 42.8 217
Summary:
This study found that the most popular stations were:
Station All % 25 – 54 %
BBC Radio 2 34.3 39.2
Fox FM 32.9 36.5
BBC Radio 4 29.2 35.1
BBC Radio 1 27.6 31.3
Banbury Local Radio 4.7 6.9
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In just four weeks Banbury Local Radio had a weekly reach of 4.7% of all adults and a 6.9% reach amongst the target group of 25-54 years
olds.
As this was the first BLR broadcast, awareness at the time was much lower than a permanent station would achieve. Figures in January 2003
showed that 26.2% of the sample had heard of Banbury Local Radio. This meant that 28.6% of respondents who had heard of the service
had listened to the radio station.
Using these figures and allowing for the permanent radio station to achieve awareness of 90% of the total adult population, the radio station
would achieve a weekly reach of 16.15% amongst all adults and 23.7% amongst 25-54 years olds.
However this is based on the weekly reach after just 4 weeks. BLR believe that using the ever-listened figure will give a clearer picture of the
potential audience. In just 4 weeks the all-adult listening figure was 7.5% of the total population rising to 10.8% amongst 25-54 year olds.
Again allowing for 90% awareness BLR would achieve a listening reach of 25.76% of all adults rising to 37.1% of 25-54 year olds.
The survey then looked at why the local population listened to their favourite radio stations. This produced the following figures:
Item All % 25 – 54 %
Good Music 31.1 34.4
Relevant News 24.4 24.2
Localness 16.1 16.0
Those who listened to BLR were impressed with the service it offered. Especially enjoyed were its music and local content, both of which were
rated ‘very good’ or ‘good’ by 57.9% of respondents.
Full data tables for the quantitative research are included as Appendix 3.
BLR Conclusion: The research proved after just 4 weeks on air there was a demand for a local station with a broad appeal music
base and local programming and content.
3. Quantitative Research (August 2003)
Date of research:
A quantitative study was conducted between 25th and 31 st August 2003, during the final week of Banbury Local Radio’s second Restricted
Service Licence broadcast.
Objectives:
The key objectives of this study were to establish whether there was a demand for a radio service to cover the specific Banbury area with the
local community’s needs and interests being the main focus.
Research sought to answer:
• Which radio services are listened to currently
• Time spent listening to the radio
• The most listened to station in the last week
• The main contributors to radio listening
• Station perceptions
• The propensity to listen to a new radio station
How was it conducted?
This research used face-to-face interviews conducted in busy shopping and retail areas within the proposed broadcast area of the advertised
licence.
Size and composition of sample:
241 adults aged 16 years old and over were interviewed. The table below shows the age categories and total number of interviewees against
the profile of the population for the Banbury area.
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Category Population % Sample % Numbers
16-24 16.2 27.8 67
25-34 18.7 17.4 42
35-44 21.2 20.7 50
45-54 15.5 11.6 28
55-64 12.8 9.2 22
65+ 15.6 13.3 32
Male 49.7 47.7 115
Female 50.3 52.3 126
Summary:
The research sought to screen interviewees as to their place of work, place of residence and where their main day to day activities such as
shopping and leisure were carried out. This was conducted to focus results on the Banbury area as this will be the main target of a new
station.
The research then focussed on which existing radio services were listened to by respondents. The unprompted responses found that the most
popular stations were:
Station All % 25 – 54 %
Fox FM 49.4 50.8
BBC Radio 1 32.4 24.2
BBC Radio 2 19.1 23.3
Banbury Local Radio 10.0 13.3
BBC Radio Oxford 6.6 5.8
BBC Radio 5 Live 6.2 8.3
BBC Radio 4 5.8 8.3
Across an average weekday the study showed that 17.8% of respondents listened for under an hour, 33.2% listened for up to 2 hours,
17.8% listened for up to 4 hours and 26.6% listened for over 4 hours. Of the interviewees aged between 25 and 54 years old, 15% listened
for under an hour, 35.8% listened for up to 2 hours, 20.8% listened for up to 4 hours and 23.4% listened for over 4 hours. This indicates
that 95% of the BLR target audience will listen to the radio on a weekday with 80% listening for over an hour.
With the high listening figures, the research then sort to find the main categories for which respondents felt were important in a radio service.
The table below indicates the main points with responses from the entire sample size and the 25 to 54 year old sample.
All % 25 – 54 %
Very Quite No
Not * Very Quite No
Not *
Important Important Opinion Important Important Important Opinion Important
Music that suits my taste 60.2 31.5 0.8 7.5 55.8 36.7 0.0 7.5
Local Traffic & Travel 22.8 23.2 7.1 46.9 27.5 29.2 5.0 38.3
Local News & Information 20.7 42.7 10.0 26.6 19.2 47.5 8.3 25.0
Enjoyable Breakfast Show 22.8 27.0 10.0 40.2 24.2 34.2 6.7 34.9
National & International News 33.2 39.0 5.4 22.4 38.3 41.7 5.0 15.0
Good for Local Community 22.0 42.7 12.9 22.4 23.3 48.3 11.7 16.7
Makes feel part of Community 17.8 37.3 14.9 29.9 19.2 36.6 15.0 29.2
* Not Important category includes ‘Not Important’ and ‘Not at all Important’ from research findings.
Interviewees were then asked if they had listened to the Banbury Local Radio RSL over the last 4 weeks. 27.8% of respondents had listened
at some point with 32.5% of the 25 – 54 year old age band having listened. Of the respondents in the 25 – 54 year old age band who had
listened, 35.9% replied that they had listened regularly.
Interviewees were asked if they would listen to BLR if it were a permanent service. 32.4% of respondents said that they would be very likely
to listen, 41.5% said quite likely, 9.5% had no strong opinion, 7.5% said not likely, 6.6% said not likely at all and 2.5% were not sure. Of
the interviewees aged between 25 and 54 years old, 40% said that they would be very likely to listen, 36.6% said quite likely, 9.1% had no
Page 40

strong opinion, 6.7% said not likely, 5.9% said not likely at all and 1.7% were not sure. This indicates that 76.6% of the BLR target audience
would be likely to listen to BLR if it were a permanent radio service in the area.
Full data tables for the quantitative research are included as Appendix 3.
BLR Conclusion: The research showed a high percentage of residents in the area listen to the radio and a clear demand for a
locally focussed service for the Banbury area. Listener’s reasons for choosing a specific station also showed a
demand for the programming to be locally focussed. BLR was well listened to through it’s second trial
broadcast and there was a demand for the service on a permanent basis.
4. Programme Qualitative Research (September 2003)
Date of Research:
A qualitative study was conducted on 10 th September 2003, after the final week of Banbury Local Radio’s second Restricted Service Licence
broadcast.
Objectives:
The key objectives of this research was to focus on the specific age group BLR is targeting and investigate the listening habits of the
potential audience in the area.
Research sought to answer:
• Current listening trends
• Opinion/Insights into current services in the area
• Acceptance of a local service such as BLR
How was it conducted?
This research used a focus group of people from the proposed broadcast area of the advertised licence. Each of these candidates had to
have listened to BLR within the previous 4 weeks during the RSL, listened to Fox FM or any other commercial service in the last 7 days and
must be aged over 25 years old.
Size and composition of sample:
The group consisted of 10 individuals who met the criteria. Of these 10, there was an even mix of males and females and a good
representation across different life stages. This included 1 Housewife, 2 Fulltime workers with young families, 1 Fulltime worker who was
recently married, 1 Fulltime worker with no family, 3 Fulltime workers with an older family, 1 Part-time worker and 1 Person who was retired.
The majority of the respondents have lived in the area for a substantial length of time and the majority worked in and around the area.
Summary:
The qualitative research was expected to show similar results to that of the quantitative research carried out before but was carried out to
allow BLR to gain a more in-depth perception of exactly what individuals from the area thought towards the radio services available.
When discussing the current services and what respondents had listened to over the past 7-days, a similar trend of answers arose.
We are sort of stuck in the middle here and Fox FM doesn’t seem
to be up this way.
Dipsticks Research 2003
You go that way and you are in Northampton, you go that way
and it is Worcestershire, you are in the northern end of
Oxfordshire, so no-one is really bothered with this bit.
Dipsticks Research 2003
The research highlighted the point that people from the Banbury area felt that they just had to ‘make do’ with current radio stations and felt
neglected. In terms of receiving basic local information respondents felt that they had no identity for the Banbury area. They want to be
recognised by the radio stations and catered for in terms of receiving information about their local area. The research also showed that
respondents felt no radio station in particular focused on the Banbury events or local activities, unless there had been a major occurrence.
Having established that the general consensus is that Banbury is under served at present the research then sort to find out what aspects of
listening would respondents note as important for a radio station and how current services don’t meet these needs.
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I think they should do not just pop music but have a whole range.
Dipsticks Research 2003
But I know that on a Friday when I am really stressed, Fox FM is
dance music and it is like you in a club even though you don’t
want to be in a club, and I haven’t got much choice. If they had a
‘chill out’ few hours, then that would be great.
Dipsticks Research 2003
Fox FM that gets me down because of listening to the same old
music. There are only so many times that you can hear the same
record.
Dipsticks Research 2003
When the Banbury radio station was on for the month recently, I
think that gave more local news than you would ever hear in 12
months on Fox FM.
Dipsticks Research 2003
Having established that local coverage and a range of music from different decades with a low repetition rate was important for people in the
area, the research then sought to build on the local information and news service that respondents would like to see in a station for Banbury.
If there was something, for example, that they were going to
knock down a nice church or something, that would be a good
debate and they could have local people phoning in and I think
that they would get a lot more interest in issues.
Dipsticks Research 2003
Not everybody will have an opinion but they may have different
views, but you would still get the same answer.
Dipsticks Research 2003
I think you have got a right to say what goes on.
Dipsticks Research 2003
With the radio though you can have your say and people don’t
know who it is talking, you can have a go because they don’t
know, and a lot of people would just like to be heard. They can
voice their fears and feel that someone is listening to them, and
on the radio that is quite good.
Dipsticks Research 2003
The findings were that local news was important to respondents but to an even higher degree, the opportunity to express their views and
opinions on the topics and items making the news. This re-enforces the finding that local people want a ‘Voice for Banbury’ and as part of
that the chance to add their voice to it. A debate/phone in show was a clear favourite amongst the interviewees.
After finding what respondents thought of existing stations and aspects they felt important for a radio service, BLR was brought into the
discussions to gauge the opinion of the RSL and also the potential for a permanent service such as BLR. The group was asked about their
first impressions of BLR having listened during the trial broadcast.
I thought it was quite good if it was on again then I would listen.
Dipsticks Research 2003
I thought it was pretty good, what information they did give us
was pretty good.
Dipsticks Research 2003
I must admit that music wasn’t all it was cracked up to be, it could
have been a little better.
Dipsticks Research 2003
I heard it round my friends, one of my friends was there talking
and I was; ‘I know him!’
Dipsticks Research 2003
I thought it was good. It was all Banbury.
Dipsticks Research 2003
The music was a bit bland it was 80’s music and it wasn’t aimed
at anybody, let alone younger, for any age there wasn’t a lot.
Dipsticks Research 2003
It was good for local information and local news, Also the traffic
news was very good as well.
Dipsticks Research 2003
I did like all the information on what is going on locally and just
outside of Banbury.
Dipsticks Research 2003
The respondents’ opinions towards BLR indicated that they were happy with the service for its local content and coverage but the music was
highlighted as a weakness. The results showed that the music policy needs to be focussed more specifically at the target audience with the
core track listing designed around the audience age range. As this point was raised, BLR decided to conduct music trials via the internet to
achieve a clearer picture of music taste (see Point 5).
To finalise the research, the idea of BLR as a permanent station for the Banbury area was raised and respondents were asked for their
thoughts on this and any points that they felt would be important for the station on a fulltime basis.
It would be a good thing because all of the adverts would be local
adverts, yes that would be a good idea.
Dipsticks Research 2003
They should get a station all the time, because I think they are
good.
Dipsticks Research 2003
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If it is going to be commercial radio, they aught to keep it until
the local businesses like B and Q and local shops, but the news
was fine, the music was ok, but I wasn’t really listening to it for
the music.
Dipsticks Research 2003
BLR Conclusion: The qualitative research has re-enforced previous findings and highlighted a number of key issues that need to
be take into consideration when working on future plans. Major points that have been incorporated into the BLR
format are high quality local news, debate/discussion shows, strong local information and also a targeted
music policy. This research has also allowed BLR to spot a potential weakness in the music tastes of listeners,
an aspect that was researched further.
5. Programme Qualitative Research (November 2004)
In order to prove further evidence of demand for the proposed service, Banbury Local Radio commissioned a qualitative research study. This
showed a high degree of satisfaction with the type of service proposed and its findings have been used by Banbury Local Radio to develop its
proposed programme format still further.
Date of research:
To answer these questions, two focus groups were conducted, one each on the evenings of Tuesday 9th November and Wednesday 10th
November 2004 at the Whateley Hall Hotel, Horse Fair, Banbury.
Objectives:
The main objective of the qualitative research was to establish what residents of the proposed transmission area of Banbury Local Radio
would like to hear on a new radio service designed specifically to serve their area.
Research sought to answer:
• Current radio listening habits
• Preferred choice of music
• Views on specialist music and local music
• Type of news and weather coverage required
• Requirements for traffic and travel information
• Requirements for ‘what’s on’ information
• Views on interview and debate programming
• Interest in sports coverage
• Interest in arts programming
• Views on competitions
• Views on promotions and accessibility
• Propensity to listen to a new radio service
How was it conducted?
Two focus groups were conducted. The criteria for being selected for the focus groups were that respondents had to be residents of the
Banbury area and current local radio listeners. All of the respondents selected were aged between 23 and 65 years.
Size and composition of sample:
The exact composition of the sample was:
Males Aged 23, 27, 29, 40, 44, 55, & 65 years old.
Females Aged 24, 26, 30, 33 & 41 years old.
Summary:
The main findings of this research were that:
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5(a). BLR Finding
The majority of respondents listened to more than one station – most typically Fox FM and one of Radio 2, Radio 4 or BBC Oxford.
Respondents’ comments regarding their current radio listening included:
Fox FM and Classic FM.
Female, 33
I quite like independent radio that intersperses music and
conversation, so it’s Northants 96 and Fox FM.
Male, 27
Like most people here, it’s mostly Fox FM, but it gets boring, so I
listen to CD’s.
Female, 24
Radio Oxford and Fox, but they’re not interested in what happens
here.
Male, 55
BLR Conclusion: There is demand for a Banbury area radio station that caters for the taste of the area as well as the existing
radio services available. The station needs to be for and from Banbury to ensure it satisfies listener’s desires.
5(b). BLR Finding
These respondents indicated that a new radio station would have to cater for a wide range of musical tastes, both mainstream and specialist
genres:
I’m an 80’s babe, but I prefer music from any era. It’s the style
more than the age of the music that’s important.
Female, 26
Disco music that’s uplifting and fun.
Female, 30
Anything really, but 70’s and 80’s is better than the modern
stuff.
Female, 41
A mix of pop from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s - The Beatles, Stones,
Fleetwod Mac, Carpenters, Queen, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet.
Male, 23
BLR Conclusion: BLR will be a radio station with a broad music base as indicated by the above findings and Internet Music trials
conducted (see point 6 below). The music will be of broad base appeal from different genres and eras but
recognisable and enjoyable to the target audience.
5(c). BLR Finding
Given the strong, and varied, local music scene in the Banbury area there was agreement that a new service should include specialist
programmes in its schedule:
I think people would like to know there’s a programme for their
type of music. For example, jazz at two o’clock on a Sunday
afternoon.
Female, 41
There’s a decent sized local music scene; it’s traditionally rockbased,
but there’s also the Croperty Festival, the big folk festival.
Male, 23
There’s one or two quite good jazz bands locally; it would be
great to hear half-an-hour or an hour of live jazz.
Male, 44
Rock. I think something like 75% of the listening public listened
to hard rock or heavy music in the period 1980 to ’87, but it
never got the equivalent amount of radio exposure. It was swept
under the carpet at the time because it had the wrong, ‘Grebo’,
image.
Male, 40
Specialist programmes? Yeah. Jazz and country; there are big
festivals here for both of those.
Male, 29
We’ve still got a country music club here, and there’s quite a
strong following for that.
Male, 55
I’d like to see local bands have a chance to come in to talk about
how they formed, what they’re aspiring to, and play some of their
music.
Female, 26
There are local people with talent and an interest in music, all
sorts of music, and it would be good to hear from them.
Female, 33
This is definitely an area to champion local music; that would be a
plus point.
Female, 30
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BLR Conclusion: There is clear and strong demand for specialist programmes within the BLR output.
5(d). BLR Finding
The respondents in these groups felt that a new service’s news should focus on stories from Banbury, but it would be important to include
news from the surrounding villages too. Local weather forecasts were also seen as useful. These comments illustrate these points:
One thing that annoys me about Radio Oxford is that there’s very
few mentions of Banbury - only if something really important
happens.
Male, 55
It’s very important to have proper local news based around
Banbury and the surrounding villages; things that will be of
interest to people living here.
Female, 30
Nationally, you can get your news on Radio 4 or 5 Live, but
there’s a niche for a station to say what’s happening at the local
level.
Female, 26
It would be interesting if they had reports from the villages as
well. Not every day something happens but, for example, a
couple of years ago someone stole a three- quarter ton bronze
statue from outside our local church. It might not sound much,
but it was big news for Sibford!
Female, 33
If it’s going to be the station people listen to, you have to give
them everything - local, but national and international too.
Male, 29
I’d like it to have good local, and locally produced, news - not
just take a feed like so many stations do - and it should end with
local weather.
Male, 40
BLR Conclusion: The research indicates that the Banbury area feels it is not catered for at the moment. A local service that is
accessible and relatable to the area with reliable local news and information is what is required.
5(e). BLR Finding
There was also an interest expressed in more in-depth local news features, especially if it covered local businesses:
I think a news feature between five and six which looks at local
businesses. For instance Kraft, how long it’s been going, or one
of the businesses in the motor trade, because that’s big around
here.
Male, 44
That’s a good idea. There are plenty of businesses that could be
featured. Last week Hook Norton Brewery won a national award.
Male, 29
Driving home, I’d like to know what’s happening in certain local
businesses.
Female, 26
BLR Conclusion: BLR will produce high quality local news including local business information. BLR is committed to a strong
news output and has committed substantial resources to this.
5(f). BLR Finding
Traffic and travel information was seen as an important part of a new service’s programming. The general opinion was that it should cover a
broad area and include information about rail and airports as well as the roads:
There’s a big traffic issue here; there’s always blockages in the
town and people need to know about them.
Male, 44
Rail news would be useful, because a lot of people catch the train
to London and to Birmingham.
Female, 33
We need a proper local traffic service. There’s only Radio Oxford
or Fox for it and they’re more likely to talk about London than
here. The other day I was sitting in a traffic jam on the Henwith
Way and they told me what was happening at Blackfriars station!
Male, 65
The starting point would be the M40 for people leaving Banbury
to go to London or Birmingham.
Male, 55
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And if there’s any problems at the airports, because folk go off
from here to Birmingham and Heathrow.
Male, 23
I’d like to know if the trains in and out of Banbury are OK. At the
moment you only hear if there’s a major problem - and
Marylebone, because that’s local.
Female, 26
BLR Conclusion: Banbury has a high proportion of commuters both to and from London and Birmingham. Over 91% of the local
population commute by car each day, therefore travel news will play a major part in BLR’s programming.
5(g). BLR Finding
The provision of a good, local ‘what’s on’ guide would be welcomed as part of a new radio service’s programming:
Just look at the number of fairs that are on in the summer; it
would be a great opportunity to let people know where and when
such and such is on.
Male, 44
I’ve got kids. If the schools are shut for some reason, it would be
nice to hear about it.
Female, 41
There was the French Market on recently that nobody knew
about.
Female, 30
Definitely. There should be the opportunity for people to ‘phone
in and say ‘there’s a fete on in the village on Saturday’.
Female, 30
Because it’s a local radio station, people are going to want to
know what’s going on locally.
Female, 33
At the moment, you don’t always know what’s on. Nobody knew
that the Banbury Marathon canoeing was on; I only did because
my son and husband were in it.
Female, 41
BLR Conclusion: There is demand for local information within BLR’s output.
5(h). BLR Finding
These respondents indicated that there were a number of local issues that they would like to hear being debated, with people having the
chance to ‘phone in to express their views:
Banbury and the area around has got a lot to talk about. There’s
talk about an extra thousand homes, it would be good if the
populace knew they could quiz someone from the council about
this.
Female, 41
It’s the same with the thousand homes in Bodicote; there are
people trying to fight that, but they don’t have the chance to put
their view.
Female, 33
With the debate over the hospital [the proposed closure of the
children’s ward] for example, both sides should be able to make
their point. People should be able to ‘phone in and debate with a
representative of the hospital trust.
Female, 26
There’s a lot of money spent by local government that people
don’t know about; I only know because I sit on various
committees. For instance, during the summer, Cherwell District
Council were given a grant of about £15,000 to promote the
importance of home hygiene, but they only spoke to small groups
– OAPs and the Guides – it would have been better to have heard
someone talking about it on the radio.
Male, 65
BLR Conclusion: The Banbury area is developing with a 1000 new homes planned. This has resulted in demand for information
that is not being satisfied at the moment. BLR will include debate and discussion in its programmes.
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5(i). BLR Finding
These respondents also indicated that a more light-hearted, gossipy form of interview would be welcomed:
Local gossip, that’s what people want to hear. It’s been the same
since Chaucer’s time, he spoke about this. Get in Mrs. Gossip, you
know ‘Ooh, have you heard about the canteen lady at Kraft?’
That’s what sells ‘papers and magazines.
Male, 40
There used to be a fantastic programme Down Your Way, with
Brian Johnston and he’d interview the most banal people but, if
you’ve got a good interviewer, they’ll start to chat and some
lovely stories come out. I remember a woman talking about
buying her kippers for the next day’s breakfast; it was so good,
because she was totally unguarded.
Male, 44
BLR Conclusion: BLR will not only cover the serious local news and information but also provide entertaining programming that
the potential audience wish to hear.
5(j). BLR Finding
There was evidence of demand for both daily sports bulletins and a weekend sports programme. Moreover, it would be accepted as part of
the output even by those respondents who were not sports fans:
There’s a fantastic opportunity for a local sports round-up, with
proper reports on Banbury United, and we have quite a good
rugby club here too.
Male, 23
It’s not just the big teams like Banbury and Brackley, there are
the villages as well. Villagers are innately proud of their
community, and it’s important for them to know that their team
won.
Female, 33
Any live coverage would be brilliant - football and the rugby as
well - and you could feature things like badminton and hockey;
things that are not usually covered. You could even go down to
pub darts, dominoes and crib leagues.
Male, 40
Yes, there’s Banbury Bulls rugby – and this is hockey, athletics
and fencing land, and a lot of that sport goes unreported – the
same with judo.
Male, 44
Banbury [Football Club] is now in a higher league, but the first
time you get to hear how they’ve done is about ten to six on
Radio Oxford.
Male, 55
I’d like sports previews - you never know what’s going on at
Silverstone - and the results. And not just local, what’s happening
nationally?
Female, 30
If you don’t have a sports show on a Saturday, you’re really
missing a trick. There’s a big gap that a local radio station could
fill.
Male, 65
BLR Conclusion: Research shows that coverage of local sport and national sport is essential. Sport will be included in BLR’s
programmes and news output.
5(k). BLR Finding
There was also some demand for arts-based programming:
Or something like Radio 4’s Book At Bedtime. You could feature
local books, like Lifting The Latch by Monty what’s he called, and
get someone to read that in a local, rural accent.
Female, 41
In Banbury, and the villages, there’s a great tradition of shows,
plays and the like, but there’s a great lack of coverage of shows.
The local ‘paper used to have a report by a critic, but now it just
says that a show’s opening. Last Saturday, Evelyn Glenny was on
in the church hall opposite; that’s a great niche for radio,
because it can play cuts from a show too.
Male, 65
BLR Conclusion: There is interest in the local arts world that will be reviewed post award and used to develop BLR’s local
content.
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5(l). BLR Finding
Competitions were acknowledged as being a good method of involving the listener:
Yes. They get people involved. We have Fox on at work and when
the Sound of Oxfordshire comes on one of the girls always tries
to get through with her guess.
Male, 27
I haven’t entered any, but, yeah, I like them. It’s good to hear
other voices on the radio.
Female, 30
BLR Conclusion: The interest in local competitions will be used in BLR’s programmes to encourage local involvement and an
alternative way for advertisers to target the audience.
5(m). BLR Finding
Respondents emphasised the point that a new radio station should be accessible and be seen out and about in the local community:
I think it’s very important to include the villages. If something’s
happening at a local school, they should go in and talk to the
kids.
Female, 33
Kids are the key market. If they can get schoolchildren involved,
maybe for example acting as junior reporters, they’ll hook in
whole areas and families.
Female, 26
BLR Conclusion: BLR’s programming will incorporate a high local profile using its sponsored radio car.
5(n). BLR Finding
There was a clear propensity to listen. These respondents made it clear that there was a demand for a radio service which offered the
elements discussed in the focus groups:
If it focused on Banbury and the villages, it would be unique and
I’m sure a lot of people would listen.
Female, 26
I’d listen to it most, and spend more time listening than I do now.
Male, 23
I’d make it my regular station, and would probably be inclined to
listen more.
Male, 27
I don’t think Fox, for example, send reporters to the Banbury Fair.
Such a lot goes on that we don’t hear about; if a new station
covered that it would certainly attract me.
Female, 33
We’ve needed a station for a long, long time, because other
stations can’t accommodate such a growing town. There’s talk of
another one thousand homes and the populace here need to
know that they have a voice piece.
Male, 44
BLR Conclusion: Results show that the area feels underserved at present. BLR will incorporate a full range of local features into
its programme plans and will have a policy of using local broadcasters where possible. It will invest in
significant time being spent training the local broadcasters.
6. Music Research (October 2004 & November 2004)
Date of the research:
The first online broadcast was conducted between Saturday 16 th and Friday 29 th October 2004, the second between Saturday 27 th November
and Friday 10 th December 2004.
Objectives:
After qualitative research raised the issue of a lack of direction in the BLR music policy, two online internet music trials were conducted via
the BLR website (www.banburylocalradio.com).
Research sought to answer:
The research sought to answer what music styles listeners enjoyed listening to and what styles they thought should be included in BLR’s
output. The research also looked to determine what time scale of music respondents thought was correct.
Page 48

How was it conducted?
This research took the form of an online questionnaire whilst listening to the online broadcast.
Size and composition of sample:
The research was conducted via the website which was accessible to any person who has access to the internet. BLR had 64 hits on the player
from 52 unique visitors. Of these 52 visitors, BLR received 37 completed online questionnaires via the website.
Age Group Under 15 15 - 24 25 - 34 35 - 44 45 - 54 55 - 64 65 +
Numbers 2 16 9 5 3 1 1
Summary:
Respondants were given a list of music styles and asked to place a tick in the box of the ones that they liked and felt should be included in
BLR’s output. The table below shows figures and percentages for each music style.
Style Numbers % Style Numbers % Style Numbers %
Pop 17 45.9 Hip Hop 1 2.7 Disco 15 40.5
Rap 1 2.7 Funk 4 10.8 Dance 6 16.2
Slow 6 16.2 Jazz 12 32.4 Local Music 29 78.3
Classical 4 10.8 Country & Western 7 18.9 Soul 9 24.3
Chart 23 62.1 Celebration 3 8.1 R&B 6 16.2
Groove 3 8.1 Reggae 2 5.4 Blues 5 13.5
Rock 21 56.7 Chilled 8 21.6 Other 11 29.7
After defining the music styles respondents chose, the research then sought to distinguish which decades these music styles should be
primarily played from.
Decade Numbers % Decade Numbers %
1950’s 9 24.3 1980’s 36 97.2
1960’s 26 70.2 1990’s 35 94.5
1970’s 33 89.1 2000’s 28 75.6
* All website data supplied by Amber Mountain Ltd (www.ambermountain.co.uk)
BLR Conclusion: The research showed a clear demand for a wide range of music styles to be played in the main mix of the
stations output from primarily the last 4 decades as well as the current decade.
7. Sales Research Findings
BLR conducted sales research to determine what sales policies and campaign prices would be acceptable to local businesses and
organisations who would consider or who use radio advertising. The results were used to help calculate the revenue projections for BLR. The
research highlighted the following points and allowed BLR to position itself accordingly.
• On both RSL’s the advertising revenue was over £13,000 despite the RSL’s taking place in January and August, two of the weaker
advertising months. It is clear that there is strong advertiser demand from local businesses.
• The average monthly campaign on the two RSL’s was £470. This was heavily discounted as these were trial broadcasts and not
permanent stations. Using this information plus the above BLR will pitch its launch monthly rate at £1,000 for 140 thirty second
commercials.
• Local businesses feel that the current local radio stations are not catering for their needs. In the same way they do not want another
outside company to win the licence and then control the business from another part of the county. BLR is independently owned and
not controlled form outside the Banbury area.
• There is a clear demand for a local radio station that is dedicated to the Banbury area.
• BLR will remain focused on the Banbury area offering local advertisers a new local advertising medium.
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8. Sales research (November 2004)
Date of the research:
These interviews were held on 9th and 10th November 2004.
Objectives:
Banbury Local Radio commissioned further research among local businesspeople to prove evidence of demand for a new radio service as an
advertising medium.
Research sought to answer:
• How likely would they be to advertise on a new service designed specifically for Banbury and the surrounding areas?
• Did they believe there were sufficient other businesses in the Banbury area which would be willing to advertise on a new service to
make it commercially viable?
• What would be a ‘fair price’ for a four-week campaign of 35 x 30-second commercials per week?
• Did Banbury need a dedicated radio station?
• Whether it would be preferable for the licence to be awarded to an independent group?
How was it conducted?
This research took the form of face-to-face interviews.
Size and composition of sample:
The research involved eight local businesspeople – seven representing different types of business which could be potential advertisers on
the new radio station, and one from a local advertising agency.
Summary:
The main findings of this research were that:
8(a). BLR Finding
The majority of respondents would definitely be interested in advertising with a new radio station, and believed that there would be sufficient
other local businesses interested to make such a service viable.
...would definitely be interested” [having advertised on the
Restricted Service Licence (RSL) service and] “got a lot of
feedback – people were listening. There’s a hunger for a station
like that in Banbury.
John Starley, Cartridge World
Banbury has fantastic commerce, just look at the number of small
and medium-sized enterprises in the Chamber of Commerce
handbook. There are several innovation parks attracting
businesses, plus there are a number of established businesses.
Stuart Moore, Banbury Personnel
If it isn’t stupid Mr. Blobby type radio, people will listen, then
advertisers get to hear people talking about it and have more
interest in advertising. I’d be willing to give it a try, because I
support local enterprises.
Malcolm Douglas, Henry’s For Men
Banbury is growing. Recently places like Castle Quay have
opened, so the potential is there. Because it is near the M40, it is
attracting more business.
Tony Ecclestone, Cherwell District Council
BLR Conclusion: BLR has a prosperous business community that is continuing to grow. In both RSL’s the advertising revenue
was over £13,000 each time despite the RSL’s taking place in January and August, two of the weaker
advertising months. It is clear that there is strong advertiser demand from local businesses.
8(b). BLR Finding
Respondents were asked what they felt would represent a ‘fair price’ for a ‘typical’ campaign of 35 x 30-second commercials per week for a
month, there was a mixed response. Some respondents would not, or could not, be drawn on a figure, while those who had an answer offered
a range of rates:
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(I would expect to pay) about £1,000 to £1,500.
Stuart Moore, Banbury Personnel
For one month, I suppose about £200 a week would be a
‘ballpark’ figure.
Bob Cattle, Summit Accessories
As a new business, and growing (opened in April 2003), £5-600
is a reasonable price.
John St arley, Cartridge World
BLR Conclusion: The average monthly campaign on the two RSL’s was £470, this is was heavily discounted due to it being an
RSL. However using this information plus the above research, BLR will pitch its launch monthly rate at £1,000.
8(c). BLR Finding
Those respondents who had a view as to who should be awarded the licence would prefer to see it being awarded to an independent group:
(I) would like to see it (the licence) go to BLR, because they’ve
been more pro-active.
Bob Cattle, Summit Accessories
I’d be happier with a local group than something from outside;
it’s more likely to be of use and listened to.
John Starley, Cartridge World
I’d prefer to see a local independent win the licence because
there would be a lot less red tape and more flexibility than if it
was dictated to by a larger corporate body. It would be better if it
was independent and special to the area.
Stuart Moore, Banbury Personnel
BLR Conclusion: Local businesses feel that the current local radio stations are not catering for their needs. In the same way they
do not want another outside company to win the licence and then control the business from another part of the
county. BLR is independently owned and not controlled form outside the Banbury area.
8(d). BLR Finding
In general, these respondents believed that Banbury and the surrounding areas should have a new local radio service:
(Banbury) warrants a radio station; it deserves a decent station.
Malcolm Douglas, Henry’s For Men
There’s only Fox FM and that’s got a vague area, we need
something focusing on Banbury.
Tony Illot, The Sun Lounge
I think people in Banbury would listen to a station for this area; it
definitely warrants a station. I’d listen in the car for what’s going
on in the area.
Tony Ecclestone, Cherwell District Council
BLR Conclusion: There is a clear demand for a local radio station that is dedicated to the Banbury area.
8(e). BLR Finding
The point was also made that Fox FM appeared to have moved their focus of attention away from the Banbury area:
...they’ve (Fox) gone off Banbury now; we used to have
salespeople coming in, but not now.
Malcolm Douglas, Henry’s For Men
Over time, Fox FM have moved their centre of gravity to the south
(Oxford); Banbury is peripheral.
John Starley, Cartridge World
BLR Conclusion: BLR will remain focused on the Banbury area offering local advertisers a new local advertising medium.
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Section 7 - Evidence of Support
This section should provide evidence of support, where appropriate, from the applicant's potential audience or from prospective
local advertisers.
Banbury Local Radio has operated under a strict policy of being part of the community that it wishes to serve from day one. BLR has felt it
was important to be a constant contributor to the local area and economy, as opposed to running RSL’s and then moving to the background.
BLR has looked to build support within the area but understands that recording people’s opinions is the key to ensuring that the publics’
needs are met with the new station, these have been incorporated into this document. BLR has strived to achieve any support by presenting
its plans for individuals to see what the station is offering to the Banbury area.
During the 2 ½ years that BLR has been working on this project, it has achieved the following:
• Over 650 letters from local residents, businesses, organisations, councillors and MP’s expressing their support for BLR.
• Presented its plans for a Banbury station to over 1000 people.
• Held consultation and public meetings to gather feedback on what the community wanted from its local radio station.
• Built a strong local consortium of people representing a cross section of Banbury life acting as ambassadors for BLR in the community.
• Helped local charities and organisations with events to raise awareness of BLR’s plans.
• Raised over £1500 for local charities to emphasise BLR’s commitment to local causes.
• Sponsored local events and sports clubs to show BLR’s commitment on local sport coverage.
• Becoming a part of the Banbury Community and being involved in day to day life.
• The use of BLR’s website to promote the station and local events. Since July 2004 the website has received over 2,700 visits.
BLR has achieved these items by using a number of methods and resources. All of these have been funded by the local investment made by
the local shareholders and the majority of money has been spent in the Banbury area, contributing to the local economy. These include:
Project Manager
In June 2003 BLR appointed a permanent Project Manager, David Bennett. David, having lived in the area for 20 years, was keen to develop a
‘spirit of partnership’ with the local community in order to build the profile of BLR and to focus attention on local networking. To this aim he
has moved forward with enthusiasm, impetus and clear direction, working alongside key players in the community, to ensuring BLR has fully
understood the needs of its local market. In the past 18 months David has met and spoken with many hundreds of people in the area.
Permanent Offices
Since July 2003, BLR has maintained a permanent office at 42 South Bar, Banbury, close to the world famous Banbury Cross and the soon to
be sited ‘Fine Lady on a White Horse’ statue. These first class facilities were used for the 2nd RSL Broadcast and as a reception and meeting
point for listeners to tell the BLR team what they want from a permanent radio station. They will be BLR’s permanent offices post award. Since
July 2003 BLR has welcomed over 300 local people to 42 South Bar.
Consortium
From the outset BLR has recognised the values that local people can bring in setting out its agenda for a permanent local radio station.
Meetings have been held on a regular basis at 42 South Bar and at Banbury Cricket Club with its local advisory group who have been compiled
to work with and advise BLR on its programming plans; a lively dialogue has produced a wealth of good ideas as well as information which
has been incorporated into this document. Members of the Consortium are:
Glynn Barrington Financial Director, John Nicholls (Trading) Ltd
Bob Cattle Sales & Marketing Director, Summit Accessories
Traffic Advisory Group Representative
Banbury and District Chamber of Commerce
Lynda Chalcraft Director of Banbury Young Homeless Project
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Neil Gadsby Founder and Chairman of The Katharine House Hospice
Chairman of The National Forum of Chairmen of Independent Hospices
Janet Gleghorn Advertising Manager for The Banbury Guardian
Director of Banbury and District Chamber of Commerce
Stewart Green Programme Director of Radio Horton, Banbury’s Hospital Radio
Columnist in The Banbury Cake
Annie Magowan Managing Director of Mr Electric
Hitendra Patel Partner at Spratt Endicott, Solicitors
Martin Phillips Managing Director of The Swan Foundry (Banbury) Ltd
Chairman of Banbury Cricket Club
Nik Phillips Branch Manager of Premiere People Banbury
Chris Radcliffe Partner at Radcliffe Consulting, IT Recruitment & Training
Sarah Watson Communications Officer for Dogs for the Disabled
Chris White Managing Director of White Mitchell, Chartered Surveyors
Martin Wyatt Partner at Whitley Stimpson, Accountants
BLR in the Community
BLR has established a sound reputation as an organisation that sits at the heart of the community supporting the interests and needs of
people from all walks of life. In communicating its message, BLR has participated in a number of events, working closely in partnership with
its potential audiences. Below are some examples:
Date Event Location
18 th August 2003 ‘Cans’ Film Festival Odeon Cinema, Banbury
In partnership with the Odeon Cinema, Film ‘Goers’ were invited to donate necessary cans of food to the Banbury Young Homeless Project
in exchange for reduced admission prices.
Date Event Location
23 rd August 2003 ‘On Air’ BLR Charity Auction BLR, 42 South Bar, Banbury
Over 40 local businesses and organisations donated goods and services for “The Fine Lady on a White Horse Appeal” and Radio Horton,
Banbury’s Hospital Radio Service. Over £1,000 was raised.
Date Event Location
21 st September 2003 Great North Run Newcastle to South Shields
Project Manager, David Bennett ran the world’s biggest Half-Marathon in 1h 46m 23s on behalf of the Katharine House Hospice raising
over £500.
Date Event Location
6th November 2003 Banbury and District Chamber of Commerce
Golf Day
Rye Hill Golf Club, Milcombe
A team, representing the BLR consortium, took up the challenge to play alongside other local businesses in support of the Chamber.
Date Event Location
20 th November 2003 Switching on the Banbury Christmas Lights Town Hall, Banbury
BLR helped provide Stewarding to start off the Christmas Celebrations.
Date Event Location
20 th December 2003 Charlie Merry’s Day Specsavers, Banbury
Steve Hill, a Programme Presenter with BLR, provided the music and played requests for customers of Specsavers in a fundraising event
for 4-month old Charlie Merry, who was born blind.
Date Event Location
18 th April 04 Flora London Marathon Greenwich to the Mall
David Bennett successfully trod the 26 miles 385 yards of the streets of London in 4H 06M 01S, raising £1300 for Shaw Trust.
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Date Event Location
23rd April 2004 Town Mayor of Banbury’s Civic Banquet and
English Extravaganza
Oxford & Cherwell College
BLR donated a Newcastle United Football Shirt, signed by Alan Shearer to the Charity Auction in support of the Town Mayor’s Charities.
Date Event Location
24 th April 2004 Banbury United ’vs’ Folkestone Invicta Spencer Stadium, Banbury
At the final home game of ‘The Puritans’ 2003/04 Season, BLR as a Partner Sponsor, supported the entertainment programme for young
people, prior to, during and after the game.
Date Event Location
22nd August 2004 Dogs for the Disabled Five Mile Company
Relay Challenge
Sulgrave Manor
The composite team of BLR and Banbury United finished runner’s up in the inaugural event held in the grounds of George Washington’s
ancestral home. The team raised nearly £300 for the charity.
Letters of endorsement from local politicians, businesses and organisations
BLR has received over 650 letters endorsing its bid for the permanent licence. Over the following pages are extracts from a few of the letters.
Local MP’s, Local Councillors, Local Dignitaries
I have become very conscious of the need for a new station to
provide genuinely local radio coverage to this dynamic area. So I
was naturally interested to study the composition and experience
of those who are joining you in this application. They strike me as
an admirably balanced combination of broadcasting expertise and
local experience. I am impressed by your plans to concentrate on
local news, information and sport and to give your support to
local charities and to involve the local community as far as
possible. All this is a pre-requisite for success - and I look
forward to the prospect of listening to BLR’s response to this
challenge.
The Rt Hon Lord Howe of Aberavon, CH, QC, 29th July 2003
Local Business
It was a pleasure to tune in to Banbury Local Radio and to listen
to a variety of quality programmes, ably presented by local
people. As a local businessman, often driving between jobs, it
was most re-assuring to listen to road reports that were up to
date and to music that was welcome to my ears. The sports
coverage was first class and I was delighted to learn of your
support for our local football team, Banbury United, through a
sponsorship deal; equally your efforts to raise funds for charities
in the area was outstanding. Good luck for the future and may
BLR get the licence they deserve.
Paul Donaldson - Paul Donaldson Plumbing and Heating Ltd. 1st
December 2003
Having heard your plans in respect of your proposal for a
permanent radio licence for Banbury, may I take this opportunity
to give you my fullest support. You have assembled a very
experienced team who know the area and who represent a
diversity of interests across the community. Your programming
plans are based on a truly local station for the people of Banbury
serving their interests in ensuring that local news and current
affairs important to the town and the surrounding area is
broadcast and updated regularly. Similarly, coverage of local
sport, interviews with local personalities and the promotion of
good work undertaken by local charities is to be commended. I
am confident that your imaginative and clear plans will deliver
both audience and revenue levels that will enable Banbury Local
Radio to become an outstanding success. Without doubt you
deserve to get the licence.
Cllr. George Reynolds - Leader, Cherwell District Council, 31st
October 2003
We write to offer the support of Coles Transport to Banbury Local
Radio. The Radio Station is a must for North Oxfordshire with its
intention to provide music for all tastes, regular news updates,
interviews with local personalities and information on sport, travel
and weather serving all members of the community. Needless to
say regular and updated information on road conditions and
prevailing weather is a priority for our business. We are pleased
to learn that the Board and Consortium of Banbury Local Radio is
representative of a range of groups including business and the
not-for-profit sector as well as individuals dedicated to the future
of Banbury and the surrounding area. You are most deserving of
the Permanent Licence. Good Luck!
Denise G. Coles - Proprietor, Coles Transport, 15th March 2004
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Local Charities
BLR fully recognises the importance of the not-for-profit sector as a force for change in working towards a caring and better society. To this
end it has supported a number of organisations including Katharine House Hospice, Banbury Young Homeless Project, Dogs for the Disabled,
Radio Horton through fundraising and the use of time on air to bring to the attention of listeners the vital work that organisations undertake
across our local area.
Katharine House was delighted to have the facility to broadcast
on BLR recently and we received a positive feedback from a
number of listeners to our feature on the Hospice and fundraising
events. Having to raise £1,000,000 each year ourselves is not
easy and any media coverage is welcome. Please pass on my
personal thanks to Hugh Evans for his professionalism. We
thoroughly enjoyed listening to the station during its 4-week trial
and found the presentation and clarity of its programmes to be
first class. Just as importantly, the music satisfied all tastes. The
emphasis on the local community in terms of news, interests and
local events was much enjoyed and appreciated. Please pass on
our thanks to all the presenters. I do hope you are successful in
your bid to host local radio which seems long overdue for a busy
and thriving town such as Banbury.
Sue Lane - Fundraising Co-ordinator, Katharine House Hospice,
3rd September 2003
Local Organisations/Individuals
I spend a considerable amount of time driving, delivering goods
in and around the Banbury area. I must admit to being a fan of
Radio 2, but having tuned into Banbury Local Radio during your
test broadcasts, I moved my loyalties. It is refreshing to listen to
a truly local programme for local people. I believe that the
organisers of BLR are from the local community - this has to be a
good thing for they should know what is required. If, from what I
have been told, plans to include local charities and communities
come to fruition, this has to be an excellent move. I trust you will
be successful in your application to obtain the licence - the
sooner you start the better! Good Luck.
Michael Clarke - Sibford Ferris, 9th September 2003
Consulting with the Community
As Shaw Trust enters its 22nd year and seeks to raise its profile it
is increasingly dependent upon both local and national media to
promote the message that every disabled person should have the
right to work. Unbelievably at this time there are over 3.6 million
disabled people of working age who are not working and even the
most conservative of estimates suggests that at least 1-1.5
million of them would like to work given the right opportunity and
support. Shaw Trust has so many good stories to tell about
disabled people who have successfully made the transition from
welfare to work and we really value the role that the local media
plays in promoting those good news stories. Local radio stations
such as BLR play an important part in our media strategy as we
encourage both employers to recruit disabled people and
disabled people to take those important steps towards work.
Stations such as BLR play a key role in engendering a sense of
community within their neighbourhood and such communities are
vital to organisations such as ours. We wish you every success in
your future endeavours.
Catherine A’Bear - Director of Communications, Shaw Trust, 4th
June 2004
Thanks a lot for recent 106.4 FM BLR Airshots! GREAT! Banbury
Jazz Club is pleased to support BLR and looks forward to your
Permanent Radio Service for Banbury. All the Best.
Pete Lay - Hon Secretary, Banbury Jazz Club, 30th August 2003
Please keep our local radio, BLR. It brings news and
entertainment to everyone in the area. The broadcasting is clear
and varied. I am a local citizen who now needs an electric scooter
to get out and about. The station tells me what is going on in the
area and when I am confined to my home, I can listen with
enjoyment. Good luck Banbury Local Radio for the future.
Mrs Marjorie Bloomfield - Banbury, 31st August 2003
BLR received important feedback from the two RSL’s. To continue gathering local opinion and ensuring BLR reflected what the local
community wanted within its station, 3 consultation meetings were held for different groups to express their views on the station and
projected plans. Details of these meetings and attendants are shown below.
Date Location
17 th November 2003 The Whately Hall Hotel, Banbury
A number of prominent local citizens, together with business people and the media attended the first meeting where a presentation was
given by Lord Colwyn and David Bennett, Chairman and Project Manager of BLR respectively. Sixty five people were present with a further
70 organisations unable to attend but wishing to learn more about the plans, all of whom were circulated with an Outline Proposal for the
Permanent Licence.
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Among those in attendance were:-
Name Representing Name Representing
Graham Anker Anker & Partners Michael McCalmont Bloxham Mill
Glynn Barrington John Nicholls Elsie Milne C.D.C. - Hardwick Ward
Russell Bristow Karcher Stuart Moore Banbury Personnel
Craig Brodey Norbar Torque Tools Nigel Morris C.D.C. - Easington Ward
Bob Cattle Summit Accessories Peter Neighbour fountains plc
Peter Clayton Ellacott Stranks Hitendra Patel Spratt Endicott
Bob Dainty Bob Dainty Carpets Nik Phillips Premiere People
Julian Dancer Banbury Cake Paul Saunders Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance
Surinder Dhesi Deputy Town Mayor, Banbury Richard Stamp Furniture To Go
Michael Durbridge The Copyright Group John Starley Cartridge World
Graham Handley C.D.C. - Chief Executive Mark Steel Streamline Office Services
John Harper C.D.C. - Adderbury Ward Joseph Street Fine Lady Bakeries
Brian Henderson Happen Fostercare Esther Vane Lawrence Anthony
Debbie Jones Protek-Dor Jeremy Wilton The Four Shires
Ben Kendall Banbury Guardian Michael McCalmont Bloxham Mill
Date Location
14 th June 2004 The Whately Hall Hotel, Banbury
A second consultation meeting was held to update businesses, local councillors and officials and those from the not-for-profit sector on
the BLR proposals for the permanent radio licence. David Bennett and Nigel Reeve gave the presentation to an audience of 45 people to
which there was an enthusiastic response on the values placed by BLR on working with the local community. The theme, throughout the
presentation, set out BLR’s commitment to provide its listeners with a service which recognised their essential contribution to the long
term success of the station.
Among those in attendance were:-
Name Representing Name Representing
Chris Aherne Amba Lamps Peter Helmore Banbury Charities
Lorne Always Always Associates Keith Hicks Independent TV/Film Maker
Rob Baker Cherwell Security Management Rosemarie Higham Highams Solid Fuels/By the Fire
Mike Barlow Hancocks, Solicitors Paul Jackson Castle Quay Shopping Centre
David Battersby Smiths Concrete Martyn James Entrepose Industrial Services
Mike Beal O. C. C. - Youth Service Deborah Lambuschagne Whately Hall Hotel
Diana Blinkhorn Bibby Financial Services Tony Mason Tony Mason Associates
Savino Campanaro Savino’s Barber Shop Barry Newberry Radio Horton
Suzanne Chadwick Chilli Peppers Rosemary Oleerisson Country Houses Association
Bridget Daken Editor, Banbury Guardian Nik Phillips Premier People
Greg Downes GD Associates Rob Sherlock Newtown Vehicle Rentals
John Dudbridge S.H. Jones Anthony Stevens PME
Mike Evans Central Tyres Sheila Talbot Nortec Training
Jane Fitzpatrick Leisure Interiors (2000) Margaret Waite Brady Corporation
Graham Handley C.D.C - Chief Executive Andy Waters RSPB
Terry Young Pink Connect Tony Wilson Hitech
Following the presentation a number of individuals came forward to offer their support by joining the BLR Local Consortium. In addition to the
consultation events, BLR organised meetings with specific interest groups including local politicians and schools, both in the independent and
state sector, as well as inviting individual opinions on how best their interests could be brought to the attention of the wider public.
Date Location
29 th March 2004 Banbury Cricket Club, Banbury
A meeting was held with the Town and District Councillors to show them BLR’s plans and take note of their ideas and input. Those in
attendance were given a presentation about BLR and then asked for feedback plus what they would like to see in a local radio station.
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In attendance were:-
Name Representing Name Representing
Cllr John Colegrave Banbury Town Council,
Cllr Elsie Milne Banbury Town Council, Hardwick
Easington Ward
Ward
Cllr Rosemarie Higham Banbury Town Council,
Cllr George Parish Banbury Town Council, Bretch
Calthorpe Ward
Hill Ward
Cllr Kieron Mallon Banbury Town Council,
Cllr Stuart Robbins Banbury Town Council, Hardwick
Easington Ward
Ward
BLR’s Project Manager, David Bennett, has met personally with a further 14 Town and District Councillors to outline BLR’s case to provide a
powerful voice for local people to air their views on local and meaningful issues.
Education plays a vital and necessary role in the life of every community. Thirty five schools and colleges in the area has been made aware of
the plans of BLR to present regular features involving teachers, parents and young people as well as business and commerce in the
continuing debate and discussion on the need to enhance access and opportunities to learning and career development.
Horton Hospital Survey
As part of its process of understanding the area BLR carried out its own survey into one of the areas most emotive subjects. One of the key
issues in the Banbury area concerns the future of the Horton Hospital. The 249 bed hospital, which serves 160,000 people in North
Oxfordshire is currently the subject of an official review and BLR wanted to know local peoples opinions. As a result BLR sent out 30,000
questionnaires to homes in the area asking people what they wanted. Readers were asked to respond either ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ to the Questions
regarding the future of the hospital. The results of the survey were collated and then passed onto the local Health Authority. BLR believes
strongly in campaigning for the local area and causes that need to be fought for and will continue to do so during the 12 year licence.
Local Sponsorship
At the outset of BLR’s Trial Broadcast in January 2003, it was evident that sport played a significant part in people’s lives in the Banbury area.
BLR was keen to become involved in helping and supporting local sport in order that it could be seen as a catalyst for enhancing opportunities
for peoples of all ages in order to make best use of their leisure time.
BLR sponsored Banbury United Football Club by purchasing new training kits for the players with the BLR logo and name on as well as taking
advertising boards within the ground. Banbury is proud of its sport and football currently takes pride of place within the sporting community.
BLR felt that it should make every effort to support this and help the local team with their quest for higher league status.
Press Coverage
Banbury Local Radio has been a regular feature in Banbury’s local publications over the last 2 ½ years. BLR has used the local press to help
inform Banbury of its plans along with publicise events that it has organised or is involved with. Through these articles and adverts, BLR has
built a good working relationship with the Banbury Guardian, Banbury Cake and Four Shires Magazine. BLR has been in the local press on
over 10 separate occasions with information about the station.
Newspaper Feature
In March 2003 BLR took a full page feature within the Banbury Guardian entitled ‘Banbury Local Radio at the Heart of the Community.’ The
feature was supported by 17 local businesses that all paid for an advert within the page which helped cover costs. This allowed BLR to explain
its plans to the area and also offered an affordable way for local businesses to use the local press. Banbury Guardian were extremely happy
to help BLR with this project and all the advertisers within the page decided to use adverts that contained expressions of support for BLR and
its plans for the permanent service they were applying to supply.
BLR also produced its own newspaper for each of its RSL’s that featured information about the station, presenters, plans and people behind
the project. This was distributed to over 10’000 homes in the area on each occasion.
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Website
BLR has had its own website since the start of the project containing information about the station and its plans. The website has also been
used for the online broadcasts to obtain users music preferences as well as offering a questionnaire for people to have their say on BLR and
its philosophies. The website (www.banburylocalradio.com) has also had local events listed online for local groups and charities to use free
of charge to advertise their events.
Since July 2004 the website has received 2,736 hits from 1,342 individual users. This is an average of 342 hits per month coming from 168
users (source www.ambermountain.co.uk).
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Section 8 - Declaration
Applicants are required to conclude their submission by responding to the following question:
Do you confirm that, to the best of your knowledge and belief:
(i) the applicant is not a disqualified person in relation to the licence by virtue of the provisions of section 143(5) of the
Broadcasting Act 1996 (relating to political objects);
Yes.
(ii) no director or person concerned directly or indirectly in the management of the company or the applicant group is the
subject of a disqualification order as defined by section 145(1) of the Broadcasting Act 1996;
Yes.
(iii) no person involved in the application has been convicted within the past five years of an unlicensed broadcasting offence
and that the applicant will do all it can to ensure that no person so convicted will be concerned in the provision of the service,
the making of programmes included in it, or the operation of a radio station if the applicant is granted a licence; and
Yes.
(iv) any matters which might influence OFCOM 's judgement as to whether the directors and substantial shareholders involved
in the application are fit and proper persons to participate in a radio licence have been made known to OFCOM? Applicants
should note that OFCOM reserves the right to revoke a licence if at any time any material statement made is found to be false
and to have been made by the applicant or any member or officer thereof knowing it to be false, and that in the circumstances of
section 144 of the Broadcasting Act 1996, the provision of false information or the withholding of relevant information with the
intention of misleading OFCOM could incur a criminal conviction and a disqualification from the holding of a licence.
Yes.
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