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Three, two, one... radio
From the Bolton Evening News, first published Friday 8th Jul 2005.
Chorley's first permanent radio station looks set to get the greenlight.
Excited bosses say the launch of Chorley FM Community Radio is just around the corner with a licence expected to be granted within weeks.
They will meet with regulating authority Ofcom later this month when a decision is expected. Station chairman Christian Moss said: "We are extremely positive about the outcome and I'm certain that Ofcom were impressed with our ideas."
The station, which has operated several times under month-long temporary licences, plans to broadcast a wide ranging programme of music, local news and community issues to the 100,000 residents of the borough.
Mr Moss said: "We represent something different to any other radio broadcasters in the North West and I'm sure our vision of innovative and vibrant radio was taken aboard."
The station, likely to broadcast on its original frequency, 87.9FM, will be based in the town centre. It will operate on a not-for-profit basis with funding from grants and advertising.
The station has a board of 12 members and is currently looking for volunteers to work on the station. It should begin broadcasting in summer 2006.
Christian said: "We hope to be able to showcase local bands and give a platform to DJs who specialise in urban and dance music as there are currently very few outlets in the area."
The name, Chorley FM, is also known as a fictional radio station in the British television hit comedy Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights. Hosted by Paul LeRoy, catchphrases include "Where the listener comes first".
Chorley comedian Dave Spikey, who co-wrote the series, is a patron of Chorley FM Community Radio.
Michelle Graham, of South Lancashire Arts Partnership, said: "The go-ahead for the station will be a great boost to many organisations in the area which will be given access to the airwaves."
Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle, who yesterday tabled a parliamentary question to minister for culture, media and sport pressing for the go ahead, said: "The success of the pilot periods have shown that there is a great demand for a radio station in the town. At present we are on the periphery of many stations and the centre of none and there is a clear need."
An Ofcom spokesperson said: "Ofcom is considering the application and will announce who has been awarded the licence at the end of July."
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