This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Ofcom: tell them what you think of their plan
12/01/2025
Ofcom plan to ignore Banbury … again
Act before January 29, 2025 to have your say on Ofcom’s priorities
Unlike many other areas of the country Banbury does not have its own local radio station broadcasting on FM.
This means people that can’t listen via smart speakers, streaming devices, tablets, computers and phones are isolated from finding our what is happening in their community – and its predominantly the older and more deprived sections of our community that are affected.
For the last few years the regulator Ofcom has steadfastly refused to allow stations like Banbury FM to apply for a new FM radio licence.
Each year Ofcom announces the work it plans to undertake in the next year and invites the public to comment. Once again from 2025 to 2026 they are not proposing allocating any time to allow new local FM radio stations.
We think that is wrong. Why should Banbury be treated as second rate in comparison to other places like Witney, Oxford and Wallingford, which already have new local FM radio stations?
We hope you will want to join us in sending Ofcom a clear message this is not acceptable.
This message summarises how we feel:
“In section 2.18 of your workplan you have omitted allowing new entry FM licenced local radio stations. For a number of years Ofcom have refused to listen to calls for additional FM licencing and have concentrated on DAB. Your policy has adversely affected rural areas such as Banbury where DAB coverage for local stations has been proven as neither cost effective or technically robust. You must address this issue by allowing time for the licencing of new FM radio stations in this work-plan.”
This is a shorter version:
“In section 2.18 of your workplan you have not included anything that would allow Banbury to have its own new entry licenced FM local radio station. We have waited long enough so please don’t make us wait any longer.”
You can respond to Ofcom using their official form which you can download here. The completed form should be emailed to planofwork@ofcom.org.uk.
Or just send your thoughts to planofwork@ofcom.org.uk and include you name, phone, email and state whether your comments are confidential or can be made public.
For background:
The details of what Ofcom IS planning to do is available here.