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During the first half of 2014 Ofcom will allow applications from groups wishing to set up community radio stations in our area.   Banbury FM could apply for one of these licences.

Why Us?

Banbury FM was proud during our trail broadcasts to proclaim "putting our community first" as one of our core objectives.

We firmly believe that Banbury FM was there for the benefit of the community.   We only did two trial broadcasts but during those eight weeks managed to pack in so much of what makes Banburyshire a great place: Banbury Lion's Wish Week, the Vision 2016 project, Mollies Stamp Appeal, the Town Mayors Charity Cycle Ride, Banbury Fair, a special church prayer meeting, a wedding proposal, the Babysaver appeal, commentary from Banbury United, to mention just a few.

Of course the music was great and the station was professional.   Banbury deserves that.   Banbury FM was, and could again be, the station people listen to at home, at work, in the car and wherever they are.   The station that reflects life here in Banbury, day-in, day-out, as it happens; a station that is easily accessible to the whole community.

We made a difference before, and we could again...

"Can I just say how wonderful Banbury FM is.   You’ve obviously taken hold of this community.   You’ve got the right spirit.   You’ve enlivened us.  You’ve provided us with some wonderful music.   You’ve even given the opportunity for people to propose marriage over the air... You certainly have the support of the Town Mayor, Councillor Jim Vine.   You’re also going to get the support of the Town Council in asking the Radio Authority to issue you with a licence for a permanent FM radio station in Banbury.   It’s been a long time coming.   You’ve done a wonderful job.   You’ve brought some wonderful experiences to the town, and we wish you all success."
Banbury Town Council Clerk, 2001

"We at the football club have been really delighted with the fact that Banbury FM have supported us over the last month.   For us we hope that you do get your full licence.   You deserve it.   I think the quality of your programming - the sports coverage - has been first class."
Banbury United Chairman, 2001


News programmes like Banbury FM At 1 could make a come back?

The Restrictions

Currently there are rules in place to protect the revenue streams of small stations such as Banbury Sound meaning Banbury FM would have to rely solely on grants for funding.   We believe this is unfair as a simple blanket rule across all stations, especially at a time when grants are becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.   Why should an advertiser who does not wish to advertise on other radio stations be refused the right to advertise on Banbury FM if they wished?   Surely a fairer scheme would be some kind of localness test, performed by the regulator, whereby stations are only protected if they achieve certain criteria, with a heavy weighting being given to whether a station is based in its broadcast area, and its performance in terms of listening figures.   We have already written to Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Media to make this point and will continue to campaign in this vein.

Your support

If you agree with us, would like to know more, or would like to help by working on our campaign please let us know via the contact page.