FM broadcasting licence for Harrogate Hospital Radio

FM broadcasting licence for Harrogate Hospital Radio

Started
25 October 2020
Petition to
Signatures: 374Next Goal: 500
Support now

Why this petition matters

Started by Harrogate Hospital Radio

 

Back in November 2018 Harrogate District Hospital management announced they would be terminating the contract with Hospedia, providing entertainment via sets at the side of patient’s beds at Harrogate district Hospital.In November 2018 HHR applied for a (LRSLs) Long -term Restricted service licence to broadcast on FM within Harrogate, this enabling HHR as a charity to purchase FM radios to enable patients to listen to Harrogate Hospital Radio.

Shortly after applying I was contacted by Andrea Jackson (from Ofcom) informing me that we were unsuccessful due to a (SRSLs) Short issued in the area. Nothing more was said but I was informed the fee for applying was not refundable therefore we lost £200.00 applying for the licence. £200.00 lost by a charity!

Earlier this year I was approached by someone who had worked for Ofcom and was informed now was the right time to apply for the (LRSLs) Long -term Restricted service licence again because they told me frequencies were available in our area.

This coincided with the news that our local radio station ‘Stray FM’ was ceasing broadcasting in September and was going to be broadcasting under the new name of ‘greatest hits radio’- No longer a local radio station for local people.

I therefore applied once again for a (LRSLs) Long -term Restricted service licence, once again to be told by Andrea Jackson we were unsuccessful because Ofcom had issued a SRSLs to the Yorkshire show ground for ‘Drive in movies’. 

To say I was disappointed was an understatement as HHR are desperate to provide a local radio service, not only to patients and staff, but family and friends within Harrogate.

I wrote to our local MP, Andrew Jones who I had a video conference with on September 3rd asking for his help regarding applying for a licence from Ofcom.

This week I received an email from Paul Mercer, Director, Broadcast Licensing and Programme Operation Broadcast and Online Content Group informing me our application has been rejected.

 Mark Oldfield 

Chairman 
Harrogate Hospital Radio 

 

Support now
Signatures: 374Next Goal: 500
Support now
Share this petition in person or use the QR code for your own material.Download QR Code

Decision-Makers

  • Ofcom
  • Ofcom Mr Paul Mercer