A COMMUNITY radio station has lost out on a licence to become a permanent fixture on the airways. Ofcom wanted to give Lyon Radio, which is run from Bowes Lyon House, Stevenage, a community radio licence but was unable to because there are no suitable FM
A COMMUNITY radio station has lost out on a licence to become a permanent fixture on the airways.
Ofcom wanted to give Lyon Radio, which is run from Bowes Lyon House, Stevenage, a community radio licence but was unable to because there are no suitable FM frequencies available in the town.
Craig Maret, project manager, said: "It is disappointing but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We could say we give up but it is such a great project."
He said in the future Ofcom could start giving community licences on AM frequencies so Lyon Radio could benefit from this.
An Ofcom spokesman said: "Ofcom would have liked to award a licence. However, this was not possible as our engineers have been unable to identify a suitable frequency on the FM waveband that will deliver a sustainable service in Stevenage."
For the past seven years Lyon Radio has been producing month-long broadcasts each year for young people to get involved with.
Mr Maret said: "It is important for the area to have a community radio station. It gives people a voice and is lots of fun for young people and community people who get involved."
Lyon Radio's next month-long broadcast will be during the summer.
* Stevenage Calling, a film about the history of the town through music, has been produced by more than 60 young people. It documents people's reasons for moving to the town from war-torn London in the early 50s.
The film, which also covers many other interesting stories from Stevenage, is available from Stevenage Library.
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