1. station name guidance notes 2. community to be served ... · riviera fm will work with...

Riviera FM community radio licence application form

1. Station Name Guidance Notes

What is the proposed station name? This is the name you expect to use to identify the station on air.

Riviera FM

2. Community to be served Guidance Notes

Define the community or communities you are proposing to serve. Drawing from various sources of data (e.g. from the Office of Population, Census and Survey) and in relation to your proposed coverage area, please determine the size of the population concerned and the make-up of the population as a whole, along with any relevant socio-economic information that would support your application.

(Please tell us the sources of the information you provide.)

It is a legislative requirement that a service is intended primarily to serve one or more communities (whether or not it also serves other members of the public) and we need to understand who comprises that community or communities. The target community will also be specified in the licence, if this application is successful.

The legislation defines a ‘community’ as: people who live or work or undergo education or training in a particular area or locality, or people who have one or more interests or characteristics in common.

Riviera FM will serve the people of Torbay. This encompasses the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, with a population at the last census in 2015 of 132,985.

Town Count % Torbay population Average age

Brixham 16,800 12.6% 48.2

Paignton 49,845 37.5% 45.4

Torquay 66,340 49.9% 43.0

Compared to the national population, half of the population in Torbay and the surrounding area is over 60, about a sixth are below the age of 15, less than a quarter in the age range 16 to 45 and only about an eighth in the range 45 to 60 year olds.

Torbay has the lowest performing economy in the United Kingdom, and with significant losses in the manufacturing sector the outlook for the economy is somewhat grim; that is, should the status quo continue.

• Just over 9,000 (7% of the Torbay population) people live in an area that is within the top 10% most Income Deprived in England, this includes nearly 4,000 households.

• Nearly 21,000 people (16% of the Torbay population) live in an area that is within the top 20% most deprived in England for Income Deprivation.

• Torbay has a higher than average number of over 65s due to the popularity of retiring here from other parts of the country. It has the third highest retirement age population in the UK. Employment is dominated by the hotel and holiday trade and care work for the various residential homes, and services which cater for the older population. Similarly, lack of employment opportunities, the very high cost of housing (a starter home costs approximately 7 times average income) and very limited higher education, means that the region has a lower than average number of 18-25 year olds.

(Information from The Office of National Statistics and Torbay Council. These figures are based on the census of 2015)


3. Proposed area Guidance Notes

What is the area you propose to serve? Although we believe it is helpful to set guidance that frequency availability may often limit transmission powers to around 25 watts and the coverage radius to around 5km, we are adopting a more flexible approach and will consider applications for wider areas where applicants can demonstrate that the proposed coverage area will better serve the target community, and where it is technically possible. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/101459/community-radio-future-licensing-technical-policy-statement.pdf

Torbay: The marine inlet of Torbay includes the main towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham as well as smaller communities, and hamlets within the area. The Torbay community is made up from these towns together with a number of smaller local communities. These small towns have become connected over the years, and form one of the country’s smallest Unitary Authorities, called Torbay Council. Riviera FM is asking to be able to cover this geographical district that shares so much commonality. To separate anyone of the communities from the rest would exclude them from the local services Torbay is a tourist area with a transitory population and therefore access to a stable local

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/101459/community-radio-future-licensing-technical-policy-statement.pdf




radio service for the area is vital.

Riviera FM will work with organisations such as the Police, Fire Service and Coastguard that cover all of the Torbay area, and many other Torbay community services, including Torbay Council.

Councillor Ray Hill, Chairman of Torbay Council in 2016/17, said he would support Riviera FM in its application for a Community Radio licence for the area of Torbay. He feels that Riviera FM could not possibly exclude any single town in the bay, as all three towns constitute the “Community of Torbay”. The Mayor of Torbay, Mr Gordon Oliver, has also given the application his full support.

It is realised that the area asked for is greater than the usual advisory 5km radius for Community Radio broadcasting, but as explained the specified area is of a specialised integral character and is uniformly under-served by existing broadcasters. This idea is well supported by the local MP (see supporting letter), the Mayor and the Chairman for 2016/17 of the Unitary Authority which covers Torbay. They believe that coverage of the whole area by a single community service would best serve the local area

Having one station covering Torbay also means the legislative restriction on income from “on-air”, advertising and sponsorship being £15,000, would apply to one area only i.e. Torbay, instead of three separate towns that would total £45,000.

We would therefore seek permission to be able to transmit a power of up to 50 Watts in each polarisation using a remote transmission site which would best serve the whole area of Torbay.

Programmes and programme output:

Definitions:

Studio location: The studio from which the service will be broadcast should be located within the licensed area.

Locally-produced: Locally-produced output is output made and broadcast from within the service’s licensed coverage area. (It is anticipated that most stations will produce the bulk of their output themselves, in the locality. However, for some target communities it may be appropriate for fairly high levels of output to originate from outside the licensed area.)

Live output: is that which is produced by a presenter in the studio at the time of broadcast. (The amount of live output may vary between different services depending on the needs or expectations of the target community.)

Original output: output that is first produced for and transmitted by the service, and excludes output that was transmitted elsewhere before. Original output can be live or voice-tracked. Repeat broadcasts of original output do not count towards the minimum requirement.

Peak time: it may be helpful to state what material will be broadcast in ‘peak time’. If you do, please say what you consider peak time to be for your target community (this may vary from station to station).

Automated output/voice-tracked material: most stations will carry automated output at some time. The amount of automated or voice-tracked material does not need to be specified in the Key Commitments.

Sustaining service/third party produced material: if you intend to broadcast material produced by a different organisation please state what it is and how much (per day or week as appropriate).

4. Programming output Guidance Notes

Please fill-in all three questions below

Question A asks you to describe your programme service.

Question B relates to how your output will serve the tastes and interests of your target community.

Question C is about how your service will broaden the range of local (non-BBC) services available in your area.

Later in this form you will be asked to draft your own ‘key commitments’. This will form the basis of your licence and is what Ofcom will judge you against. It should include a summary of your proposed programme output as set out below and reflect your commitment to cater for relevant tastes and interests, to broaden the range of relevant programmes and services and to provide a service with a distinct nature and content as set out in the Guidance Notes

The law requires applicants to state their proposals for providing a service that would:

(i) cater for the tastes and interests of members of its target community or communities (or for any particular tastes and interests in those communities);

(ii) broaden the range of programmes available on non-BBC local services (commercial and community stations) to members of the relevant community or communities;

(iii) broaden the overall range of such non-BBC local services provided in the area concerned; and

(iv) have a distinct nature, or provide distinct content, from any non-BBC local services with which it would overlap.

Ofcom is required to consider the extent to which an applicant’s proposals will cater for the tastes and


in the column opposite.

interests of members of its target community or communities.

Ofcom is also required to consider the extent to which proposals for a community radio station would broaden the range of programmes available by way of non-BBC local services (both commercial and community stations) in the area concerned (especially, the extent to which a proposed service would have a distinct nature or provide distinct content from any overlapping non-BBC local services).

The information given here should be more detailed than what you set out in your draft key commitments (later in this form), and will help us gain a fuller understanding of how you will serve your target community and what the station will sound like.

4. Programming output

A: Please tell us about your programme service. The following questions may help you describe your programme service (but should only be used as a guide):

• What will the service sound like?

• What music will you play?

• What are the main speech elements of the service and how will the social gain/community benefits you propose be reflected on-air?

• What is the likely music to speech ratio?

• Will this vary at different times of the day or week (or year)?

• Do you intend to broadcast live output? If so when and how much do you propose to do?

• Will you broadcast in languages other than English (what languages and how much)?

• Will your output be original i.e. specifically produced for your service?

• Will it be locally produced?

• Do you intend to repeat material?

Riviera FM has been broadcasting on the internet since April 2009, running live programmes from 9am – midnight seven days per week, engaging listeners in a local service. The station has also successfully completed three separate (two week) RSLs on FM (106.2). The content of the programming is, and will remain, unique about Torbay and its local community. The programmes that Riviera FM will continue to broadcast will be of an informative nature to the whole community, specifically designed to appeal to the local audience across all age groups from an exclusive Torbay perspective. This will include publicising news from Torbay Council, interviewing local voluntary groups and helping them with fund raising, interviewing local community groups with special needs, and local project groups. The station will give a platform to Safer Communities, The Police, talking about Neighbourhood Watch, Fire Service and the Coastguard which informs not only the Torbay community but also many holiday makers about sea conditions and general coastal safety. Riviera FM will also have a weekday programme for young people, run by young people addressing local teenage issues such as smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, healthy eating and teenage pregnancies, with advice from health professionals from the NHS Care Trust.

It is hoped to make changes by education via broadcasting, and tackling some of their problems.

Riviera FM’s programmes such as the youth programme will also aim to help bridge relationships between the young and the elderly in the community. The programme will be hosted by students from local schools.

Riviera FM will combine classic and contemporary music, with a large amount of locally generated

music. As a local station Riviera FM has a commitment to live music encouraging Torbay talent.

Currently the station has three such music programmes weekly on the internet showcasing local bands and local artists. These programmes are extremely popular and will continue on Riviera FM.

Riviera FM attended an outside broadcast in conjunction with the local Rotary Club, presenting twelve local bands and solo singers. This event raised £2,500 for the Devon Air Ambulance Appeal. The station managed four other live outside broadcast events during its second and third RSLs, showcasing a large amount of local talent in Torbay.


Riviera FM intends to operate 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Riviera FM is seeking at commencement to broadcast 49 hours of live programming each week, between the hours of 7am and 11pm Mondays through to Sundays. Live programming may include pre-recorded inserts and programmes locally produced from interested groups such as local schools, both primary and secondary, as well as those produced by older members of the population, through our links with Age UK. It is recognised that the demographic age of the local population is higher than that nationally and must therefore cater particularly to this group.

Live output will typically comprise 70% music and 30% speech where “speech” excludes advertising, programme/promotional trails and sponsor credits. The Board realises the more speech-led generated programmes Riviera FM can produce, the more informative the station will be to its community. Riviera FM will strive to keep a balanced mix of music to speech throughout its programmes. The station is always trying to improve the amount of speech contentment as an internet station. As the station develops Riviera FM will strive to improve further on its speech content.

Speech

This will include current affairs led programming, with some local and national news items. It is hoped to promote discussions which are community based in conjunction with the local Community Development Trust.

We estimate that we will broadcast the following types of speech output, mostly during the day:

Discussion programmes 25%

Talk and phone in shows 15%

News and Sports 15%

Local information 30%

Other 15%

There will also be arts programmes including discussions, debates, magazine style programming, sports and comedy. It is anticipated that local drama students from the schools in the area and others will provide regular material.

Music

Riviera FM will combine classic and contemporary music, Jazz, Country, Classical, Rhythm and Blues, Rock, and Roll, Folk, Brass Bands, and music from the 50s to the 00s, and Classic Rock much from local groups. The station will cater for a wide range in musical tastes across Torbay that is currently significantly under-served on FM radio.

Specialised Genre Percentage:

Rock/pop up to the present day 20%

Oldies from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s 20%

Ballroom 2%

Brass 1%

Country 2%

Folk 1%

Rock and roll 2%

Classical 1%

Jazz 2%

R & B/ Classic soul 2%

Reggae 1%

Live and pre-recorded music from local artists 5%

The station will be playing a large amount of locally generated music. As a local station Riviera FM has a commitment to live music encouraging Torbay talent. Riviera FM has a programme on its internet station called “Riviera Showcase.” This programme showcases and encourages local bands


and musical talent in Torbay. It is extremely popular, and will continue to be part of Riviera FM.

• The limit of 49 hours per week may increase as and when sufficient volunteer presenters are available and trained.

• Where programmes are of a more generic nature (albeit locally produced) we hope to distribute these to other community radio stations for broadcast should they wish. We shall also foster reciprocal arrangement with other Community Radio Stations and broadcast their programmes on our service.

• Torbay is very much a tourist area and the programming will reflect issues and be relevant to the tourist industry. The sourcing of this material will be facilitated by strategic use of local facilities and sometimes the provision of temporary studios to ensure the inclusion of all communities and groups.

• The station will ONLY repeat material when it is on automation mixed with music after close down until start-up the following day. It will be made clear to the audience that the overnight repeated programmes are presented as the “best of” the daytime programming, and un-manned.

B. What is the address of the proposed studio (if known)?

The Riviera FM Studios, Suites 33/34, 1st Floor, Castle Circus House, 136, Union Street, TQ2 5QG.

C: Based on what you have said above, how will your proposed radio service cater for the tastes and interests of your target community/communities?

Riviera FM will operate a diverse radio schedule that focuses upon the local community in Torbay. Our programming policy is mostly based on our experience from running the internet station the RSLs and the feedback from volunteers (especially those who had previous broadcasting experience) and our listeners.

• The target audience are the people who live, work or are being educated in Torbay, along with a large number of holidaymakers.

• Local information will be given out raising awareness of local issues.

• There will be a “What’s On” programme covering a comprehensive guide to events in Torbay.

• Local news is very important to Torbay. The local newspaper, which used to publish six days a week, is now a weekly publication. The local regional news supplied by ITV Westcountry is now originating from Bristol. News items now cover a larger area of the South West. Many people in Torbay only wish to be informed about news in their community. Riviera FM will help to bridge this large gap.

• Local traffic and weather information will be covered (Torbay has its own micro climate). Riviera FM has made arrangements with the council’s CCTV department to access regular traffic information. This will also be of interest to around 1.5 million visitors in the summer months.

• There will be many lifestyle programmes from a Torbay perspective reflecting the unique position of Torbay life.

• The station will celebrate and publicise local achievements.

• Riviera FM will promote local arts and events i.e. showcase local artists and heritage centres. An RSL brought awareness of the local Agatha Christie Festival. Torbay Council and the Tourism Board asked Riviera FM to promote the event as it was not thought a larger station would be able to get involved at the same level.

• Specialised sports coverage of local teams and events. At the moment Riviera FM broadcasts midweek and Saturday afternoon sport. It broadcasts pre-match information from Torquay United plus the half-time and full-time scores and summaries. The station reports on many other local sports events from powerboat racing to local bowls and cricket clubs. The station gets involved promoting local junior sports teams in Torbay. There are no other local sports coverage programmes broadcast locally.

• Older listeners would listen during the day either at home, at work or whilst driving. Many of the elderly listeners are interested in programmes about local events and history. Both these groups are interested in receiving up-to-date information about local opportunities and events and this is


a priority.

D: How will your proposed community radio service add to the range of programmes available on non-BBC local services (commercial and community stations) to members of the relevant community or communities, add to the overall range of such services in the area concerned and be different and distinct from them? Please tell us which non-BBC local services your station will overlap with.

The local commercial radio station is “The Breeze”, but this is due to have its licence renewed and will then be syndicated from Southampton with just small local opt-out content for local news and traffic reports.

Heart Radio moved out of the local area of Torbay to Exeter (in 2010) twenty miles away. Their programming involves networking from London via the Global group with local commercials and idents. They play mainly “pop” music, with breakfast and drive times.

BBC Radio Devon is located in Plymouth, and under-serves Torbay due to its extremely large regional coverage.

Surveys carried out in the Torbay area during RSL broadcasts, and again more recently, have shown support for Riviera FM broadcasting on FM radio across Torbay. They confirmed recognition of the need for a truly local radio station catering for local people. The first survey canvassed more than 150 people, approximately1% of the population covered by the transmission, the majority 120+ showing a desire for the station and what it was trying to achieve. The recent second qualitative street survey canvassed more than 500 people, around 3% of the Torbay community. Comments from the survey included “much needed”, “excellent idea” and “something positive for the community”.

Riviera FM offers a high range of programming to suit all tastes and can be called a truly local station that the community craves. Riviera FM has chat shows with local people, phone ins, reviewing local film and theatre shows, health shows, young people’s shows, counselling, what’s on, gig guides, culture shows, and locally written and produced drama shows specific to Riviera FM. This includes interviewing the writers, producers and actors with a view to educating Torbay listeners, and fostering local interest in the arts.

• Riviera FM interviews local people during the week from various organisations.

• Riviera FM offers more information about the local community, advertises charity events free of charge, and has high local profile.

• Riviera FM is much more diverse and distinct in programming. It has its own special local brand that sets it apart from that which is currently available.

• Apart from Riviera FM’s programming, it also offers media training courses in its media suite to the entire community, carried out by broadcast professionals. This has proved to be extremely successful with excellent feedback from students.

Social gain

5. Social gain Guidance Notes

Community radio is required to be for the public good and to bring community benefits, or social gains, to listeners and participants. The requirement for ‘social gain,’ is one of the key factors that makes community radio stations different from other radio services.

Please tell us what community benefits your service will bring to your target community(ies) and/or the general public. Please include summaries of evidence to support your answer.

Your draft ‘key commitments’ (later in this form) should include a summary of your proposed social gain set out below.

Broadcasting legislation specifies a number of ‘characteristics of community radio services’. Licence holders need to ensure their services conform to these characteristics, including in this case the delivery of social gain.

The legislation sets out social gains that stations must provide. These are the achievement, in respect of individuals or groups of individuals in the target community, or in respect of other members of the public, of the following objectives –

(a) the provision of a radio service to individuals who are otherwise underserved by such services,

(b) the facilitation of discussion and the expression of opinion,

(c) the provision (whether by means of programmes included in the service or otherwise) of education or training to individuals not employed by the station, and

(d) the better understanding of the particular community and the strengthening of links within it.


Social gain may also include the achievement of other objectives of a social nature.1

Applicants are required to provide evidence that their service will result in significant social gain to the public or the target community(ies). Copies of letters or research reports etc. should not be submitted, but brief relevant extracts from them, which represent an accurate and comprehensive summary, may be included. If we wish to see the source material, we will ask for it.

Ofcom is required to have regard to the extent to which your proposed service would result in the delivery of social gain to the public or target community.

Riviera FM will broadcast material of local interest to the towns within the Torbay area of South Devon, making full use of radio, internet, performance and other forms of communication to provide news, information, education, training and entertainment opportunities.

Riviera FM will engage and promote interaction between people of all ages, races and backgrounds. It will endeavour to facilitate personal and social development opportunities of various kinds, and so build social capital in the community by ensuring the inclusion of a wide range of groups within the wider population, e.g. home workers, young parents, workers in isolated rural locations, employees and owners of local businesses.

Currently Riviera FM is an internet community radio station with a commitment to supporting people in recovery. We broadcast to residents in Torbay and surrounding areas seven days per week. We deliver music content and promote community events, activities and information. For example, we support Volunteers Week each year and recently ran a two hour special promoting funding opportunities to small community groups for the Community Development Trust a Riviera FM partner.

Letter of support from the Torbay Community Development Trust :

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in relation to Riviera FM securing a Community Radio licence.

On behalf of the Volunteer Centre within Torbay Community Development Trust I would like to support Riviera FM with its application for a licence across Torbay community. The station makes a positive contribution within our local area by raising awareness of diverse and vital voluntary groups.

In particular, Riviera FM has kindly provided us (the CDT), with a number of radio slots across Volunteers’ Week, a national campaign to recruit, celebrate and recognise volunteers.

Yours faithfully

R Macloughlin

Volunteer Centre Development Officer, Volunteer Centre Torbay

Riviera FM broadcasts a Recovery programme, working with local NHS addiction services to provide volunteering opportunities within the station. Riviera FM recently delivered bespoke media training from our media suite to organisations working with people with addictions. Since our formation, Riviera FM has been committed to supporting people in recovery. Many of those involved have personal or professional experience of the damage addictions can do to the individual, families and the wider community.

Riviera FM has encouraged people in recovery to get involved and this originally led to a weekly Recovery hour, and now a two hour “Recovery Show”, hosted by recovery participants. One Director, who volunteers with a NHS addictions clinic, has developed a wide network of contacts within mainstream health and groups supporting people in recovery. As a result we have run over 50 additional features about recovery issues in the last 12 months.

During 2016, Riviera FM received an “Awards for All” grant to pilot media training for people in recovery. Training was promoted at user groups, Torbay Hospital, clinics and via local support groups. So far 33 people have completed the training and more courses are planned. Training was

1 See Article 2(3) of the Community Radio Order 2004 and Ofcom’s Notes of guidance for community radio

applicants and licensees.


linked to volunteering opportunities at Riviera FM.

This is backed up by B Bell (CEO of Torbay Public Health) and JAnderson’s letter of support from the Recovery Grant Panel, run jointly by the NHS/Torbay Council.

Riviera FM are central to the recovery community in Torbay. Their approach is to work as a community of people who are recovering from drugs, alcohol and mental health problems with a view to not only broadcasting about recovery issues on a weekly show, but also to provide mutual support in developing skills in radio production, programming and broadcasting. This not only gives people an opportunity to take part in something that they had never before experienced but helps improve people’s confidence and self-esteem in addition to reducing stigma associated with recovery in the wider community.

In my view and experience, Riviera FM are not only working with marginalised communities on their terms, but are recognising the contributions that people in recovery can make; giving them the opportunity to do this; and realising the benefits for individuals and the wider community. Riviera FM has made a tangible and real difference to people’s lives with stories of how involvement with the radio station has broadened people’s interests and helped them remain abstinent. Any opportunity to develop Riviera FM is welcome and fully supported by the Torbay Public Health Team.

B Bell

Torbay Public Health

Dear Martin and Riviera FM,

I am writing in my capacity as Chair of the Recovery Grant Panel, as a previous manager of the Alcohol Team in Torbay and as Current Volunteer Coordinator (NHS) for the substance misuse services in Torbay.

I have been aware and involved with the work the radio station has been doing with respect to those in treatment for addictions. I am also aware of the impact the station and its Recovery show has in potentially reaching those who are not yet receiving help, or are seeking support for their addictions.

There are a number of levels and ways that the Station has helped impact people’s lives that I have observed. And I believe that an FM licence would allow this work to have a much wider impact

The opportunity offered by the station initially to shadow presenters and other working on the station has offered individuals an insight into work that interests them.

A development to offer a course in Communication Skills and general broadcasting skills has been developed with help from the Recovery Panel funding. This course has led to individuals working voluntary for the station. Individuals within the treatment and recovery community developed their own Recovery Show, how and has a regular weekly slot.

The impact in all of this work is enormous. The individuals involved have gained self-esteem, a sense of purpose and positivity that have been pivotal in their own recovery journeys.

The programmes that they present and work on has a large far reaching impact to the local community. For those listening they get to hear about support and contacts related to addictions. They get to listen to guests that are involved in the system or have addiction issues themselves. This serves to give out information to the public, dispel myths and generally break down stigma and barriers.

Personally I can only see the huge and wide reaching positive impact of any expansion of the audience to this excellent professional station.

I would be happy to answer further questions ,

Kind Regards

J Anderson

Volunteer Coordinator (NHS)

The above model is also used for the elderly. But the project is not just about recruitment and training; it is about using that process to really get to know and understand the community and the


issues people face. We will broadcast a wide range of content, produced by the elderly reflecting experiences, interests and opportunities for older people in Torbay.

Riviera FM shall promote:

• Studio discussion on issues involving people with expertise, experience and knowledgeable opinions to express.

• Telephone phone-ins to allow community expression of opinion.

• Talking points where presenters give their considered opinions on particular issues.

• Live and recorded public debates.

• Reports on local issues, news and events.

• ‘VOX pops’ for members of the community.

It will provide training for community members to enable them to make and broadcast programmes of local interest and will train regular presenters.

It is also envisaged that a programme of training will be run in conjunction with the local schools (both LEA and private) to enable pupils to develop skills in the context of the national curriculum using radio as a medium. Ultimately the aim is to share training events and facilities with other community stations in the area, work with local stakeholders to provide vocational qualifications, as well as work placement/experience opportunities, and generally assist in the delivery and development of courses to ensure there is a local skills base in the community that includes appropriate technologies such as broadcasting media and elementary engineering.

• Riviera FM will continue to develop links with local organisations to provide mutual support and to help promote their activities.

• Riviera FM will support local enterprises that wish to go on air to talk about their products and services.

• Riviera FM will attract volunteers from the local community.

• In the longer term Riviera FM plans to purchase additional equipment to enable the station to make more outside broadcasts from all parts of Torbay.

• Riviera FM hopes to encourage “on-air” exchanges with other Community Radio stations in the region to foster understanding and tolerance in the area.

• Through collaboration with health visitors we will aim to promote some programming specifically at young parents.

• Riviera FM will aim to continue programmes promoting “green lifestyles”, and continue to operate initiatives.

• Riviera FM will work with local regeneration partnerships, the council, other agencies, and public bodies promoting their work “on-air”.

• Riviera FM will hold occasional Councillors Surgeries “on-air”.

• Riviera FM will cover community events and public meetings such as The Mayor’s Forum.

Access and participation:

6. Participation in the service Guidance Notes

How do you propose to ensure that members of your target community (or communities) are given opportunities to participate in the operation and management of the service?

Your draft ‘key commitments’ (later in this form) should include a summary of your proposed participation objectives as set out below.

Legislation specifies a number of ‘characteristics of community radio services’. Licence holders need to ensure their services conform to these characteristics, including in this case providing opportunities to participate in the operation and management of the service. Ofcom requires information as to how this would be achieved.

What will be the involvement of members of the target community in the radio station? How many volunteers do you anticipate will be involved in your service per year?


Riviera FM offers access and membership to the entire community of Torbay, providing an open approach service.

The station regularly broadcasts opportunities for new members to join the service during its internet transmissions. Flyers are handed out at outside events for new members. There is also an invitation to join Riviera FM on the station’s website. Riviera FM accepts members with a genuine interest to join the station in all capacities. Volunteers range from cleaners, office staff, producers, editors, engineers (including IT), trainers, advisors, presenters, managers, sales, fundraisers, steering committee members and board members.

Riviera FM has more than forty volunteers who currently run the station’s community internet radio service. The entire community have access to the station - community participation in the operation of Riviera FM is a key characteristic of the station. Ages currently range from 16 years of age to 70+. Riviera FM is also equal opportunities, and a station with an open door policy.

This is a station truly for the people of Torbay run by the people of Torbay. All the volunteers working presently at Riviera FM have their own individual influence on the running of the station in operations and management.

Members are given the opportunity to take on extra responsibilities, such as a management position with the company. Training is given to members who take on new positions. Riviera FM encourages members to take on extra roles, or to interchange roles on the station. In some cases the volunteers perform more than one duty, such as scheduling music, updating the web pages, and presenting. A section of the volunteers who have the time find participating in multi-skilling rewarding and appealing. This adds to the quality of their life. Riviera FM encourages volunteers and the community to participate in the making and broadcasting of programmes to the benefit of the community, and to bring about positive change.

Riviera FM holds presentation evenings at various venues around Torbay, inviting members of the entire community to attend. Participants are invited to join the station in various areas of their choice. This method has been found to be extremely successful in recruiting new membership to the station. Members from education, the council and other organisations are invited to these meetings in order to explain community radio to the public and how general cohesion can be accomplished between local services and groups.

7. Access to facilities and training Guidance Notes

Set out the practical (formal and informal) mechanisms which you will use to ensure that members of your target community can gain access to your facilities that would be used for the provision of your service and to receive training in their use.

Your draft ‘key commitments’ (later in this form) should include a summary of your proposed access and objectives for training people in the use of the facilities as set out below.

Ofcom is required by the legislation to have regard to the provision each applicant proposes to make to allow for access by members of the target community to the facilities to be used for the provision of the service and for their training in the use of those facilities.

• Riviera FM will provide training for community members to enable them to make and broadcast programmes of local interest. To provide vocational qualifications as well as work placement / experience opportunities with other radio stations.

• Riviera FM has commenced pilot media training courses for people in Recovery. Training is promoted at user groups, NHS clinics and via local support groups.

• Riviera FM will continue to develop links with local organisations to provide mutual support and to help promote each other’s activities. We will support local enterprises that wish to go on air to talk about their products and services.

• Riviera FM will run short training courses in its media suite (ST2) for local people wanting to volunteer at the station in community radio production skills, which will include training in the technology for radio production.

• Riviera FM is in partnership with South Devon College, and in exchange for work experience at the station, the College has so far provided training for most of the Riviera FM presenters in the


form of a C&G Volunteering Certificate, plus many have completed an NCFE Mentoring Certificate.

• Riviera FM will explain the standards Riviera FM expects for the station’s services and to encourage and support members to achieve and maintain them.

• Riviera FM will do its best to help members develop their volunteering role.

• Riviera FM respects members’ skills, dignity and individual wishes and does its best to meet them.

• Riviera FM will apply its equal opportunities policy.

• Riviera FM will provide adequate insurance cover for volunteers whilst carrying out their volunteering roles which have been approved and authorised by Riviera FM.

• Riviera FM will try to resolve fairly any problems, complaints and difficulties presenters may have while they volunteer with Riviera FM; to apply our complaints procedure if there are any.

• New volunteers must provide referees as agreed who may be contacted, and to agree to a Disclosure, and Barring Service (previously CRB) check being carried out where necessary.

• New volunteers perform presentation and production roles as part of their training. This can be through news and journalism. As they become skilled they become fully autonomous.

• Through the CMA Memorandum of Understanding BBC Radio Devon has already given Riviera FM presenters a two-day compliance course in broadcasting values and standards with an appropriate BBC certificate.

Ensuring accountability:

8. Accountability Guidance Notes

Please set out your proposed community accountability mechanisms. These should cover matters such as:

How will members of your target community:

• make contact with your service, and

• influence the operation of the service?

How will suggestions or criticisms from members of your target community (or communities) be considered and acted upon?

Your draft ‘key commitments’ (later in this form) should include a summary of your proposed accountability measures as set out below.

Broadcasting legislation specifies a number of ‘characteristics of community radio services’. Licence holders need to ensure their services conform to these characteristics. One is that, in respect of the provision of the service, the provider makes itself accountable to the community (or communities) the service is intended to serve.

Ofcom is required to have regard to the provision each applicant proposes to make in order to ensure its accountability to the relevant community (or communities).

Riviera FM encourages debate relating to the station’s programmes (and more). To this end it has a forum on its website (www.riviera.fm), where listeners can log in and make their views known. There is a Riviera FM Facebook page that is frequently used by listeners either to contact the studio directly or leave a message. Listeners can also write an e-mail or text directly to the studio. Besides this there are two telephone lines where the listeners can phone into the studio or office, or leave a message. With its open door policy, the station also has many visitors from the general public. The station is frequently giving out contact information to its public “on air”.

Riviera FM is frequently out and about in the community with roadshows (see picture above) helping community groups. The station’s staff are then in direct contact with the public. They have an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with the local community. It is found that many voluntary organisations contact the station via this method. It is also found this is also a very good method of obtaining general feedback that can be acted upon. Riviera FM takes listeners’ feedback very seriously.

The Riviera FM Board will be accountable to its steering committee who have an active interest in the Torbay community, such as, voluntary groups, education, fundraising, local council, faith communities, training, and including students, reflecting a good cross-section of the Torbay community. The steering committee is a good reflection of the target audience. The steering committee, which is also a listeners’ panel, will meet periodically. It will also decide what charities any


money will go to that is collected from fundraising or advertising activities. The steering committee will adhere strictly to Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code of Practice at all times. The Riviera FM Committee members will be elected from the members who will enable the target community to directly influence the development of the community radio service. Meetings will be publicly advertised, online and via the radio, and will be held in different locations in the Torbay area at various times.

There will be an annual listeners meeting, to invite input from the station’s audience, which will be attended by the Board, Committee members and volunteers.

A complaints system will be established so that any members of the local community wishing to lodge a complaint can via a form on the Riviera FM website. In the first place complaints would go to the Station Manager. If the complaint is not resolved at this level it will then be passed on to the Board.

Riviera FM will maintain a visitors book and have a published complaints procedure

Riviera FM will hold an annual general meeting and produce an annual report of the company.

Riviera FM has carried out qualitative descriptive data research between a cross section of the Torbay community. Views varied on a few programmes, but seemed to be fairly consistent with others. Views expressed have been acted on.

Guidance notes: station’s draft key commitments

Please draft the Key Commitments for your proposed service. There is a blank key commitments template overleaf. If your organisation is awarded a licence, the key commitments you draft here will be included in your licence. (Please note: Ofcom may require amendments if, for example, we feel changes are required to better reflect your application proposals).

Your draft Key Commitments should be consistent with, and, where appropriate, summarise the answers you have already given in this application form.

It is important that you draft your own commitments rather than just copying what may have been done by others. You should keep in mind that it will be a condition of any licence to meet the Key Commitments: something you must do at all times and for breach of which you could face sanctions including revocation of the licence. So, you should think carefully about what you will be committing to.

We would expect key commitments to be brief and no more than one page long.

KEY COMMITMENTS: to be completed by the applicant [Guidance is given in italics.]

Station name Riviera FM

Licence area Torbay. (Torbay includes the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham).

Description of character of service

[Describe in no more than 80 words in total]:

- the target community/communities [describe the community or communities you will serve; this should be a summary of your answer in section 2 of this form]:

- the main purpose of the service

- the station’s primary functions or activities.

• Riviera FM will serve the people of all ages living, working, on holiday, training, and being educated in Torbay.

• The service will broadcast material of local interest to Torbay, making full use of FM radio communication to provide local news, and local information from a Torbay perspective.

• Riviera FM will reflect by its broadcasts the unique position of Torbay life, building local pride, personal, and social development, fostering more cohesion to the general community of Torbay regardless of race, religion or gender.

The service broadcasts: [these bullet points should be a summary of the answers you have given in section 4 of this form]:


• Music. The main types of music2 broadcast over the course of each week are: [insert types of music in a maximum of 30 words]

Brass, Country, Folk, Jazz, Live & recorded local artists, Oldies from the 50s, 60s, 70, and 80s, R&B/Soul, Rock/pop up to the present day, Rock & Roll

• Speech. The main types of speech output3 broadcast over the course of each week are: [describe the speech output in a maximum of 30 words]

Speech will include current affairs programming, with local and national news items, discussions which are community based in conjunction with the Community Development Trust, Police and the CAB

• Over the course of each week programming is broadcast in [list all language(s) other than English, if relevant]

Not relevant

• The service provides original output4 for a minimum of [insert number] hours per day. [What are the minimum hours per day that the service will broadcast original output?]

7 hours

• The service provides locally-produced output5 for a minimum of [insert number] hours per day. [What are the minimum hours per day that the service will broadcast locally-produced output?]

7 hours

The studio is located within the licensed coverage area.

The service provides a range of community benefits (social gain objectives mandated by statute) for the target community, both on-air and off-air, and in doing so, achieves the following objectives:

• the facilitation of discussion and the expression of opinion,

• the provision (whether by means of programmes included in the service or otherwise) of education or training to individuals not employed by the person providing the service, and

• the better understanding of the particular community and the strengthening of links within it.

Members of the target community contribute to the operation and management of the service.

The service has mechanisms in place to ensure it is accountable to its target community.

[Please note: If awarded a licence, the key commitments you draft here will be included in your licence. (However, Ofcom may require amendments if, for example, we feel changes are required to better reflect your application proposals).]

About your organisation:

9. Company details Guidance Notes

The legislation requires that:

• Community radio services should not be provided primarily for commercial reasons or for the financial or other material gain of the body providing the service or the individuals involved in it

• Any profits produced may only be used to either improve the future provision of the service or for the delivery of social gain to members of the public or the target community

Provide the name of the body corporate (e.g. Only a body corporate can hold a community radio

2 e.g. mainstream pop, urban etc. 3 e.g. local news, what’s on etc. 4 Original output is output that is first produced for and transmitted by the service, and excludes output that was transmitted elsewhere before. Original output can be live or voice-tracked. Repeat broadcasts of original output do not count towards the minimum requirement. 5 Locally-produced output is output made and broadcast from within the service’s licensed coverage area.


company) submitting this application and the type of body corporate.

Please provide copies of the company’s Memorandum, Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation (or, where it is another type of body corporate, its founding documents and those which set out its objectives and rules of operation)

licence. A body corporate is almost always a (registered) company, although it can also include, for example, some bodies created by statute (an individual or a registered charity on its own is not a body corporate).

Your application must therefore be submitted on behalf of a registered company (or other body corporate). There are different types of company (e.g. a company limited by shares, a community interest company, a company limited by guarantee) and we need to know what kind of company is applying for a licence.

We will not consider a licence award to a company if it has not yet been registered. If the application is successful the licence will be awarded to the body corporate (e.g. company) submitting this application.

Company (or other body corporate) name: Riviera FM Ltd.

Date of registration: 9th April 2009

Company registration number: 06875219

Type of company (or other body corporate): Company Limited by Guarantee

Where your body is not a company, please explain how it meets the requirement to be a body corporate:

10. Ownership Guidance Notes

Please provide details of who controls and who owns the body corporate (e.g. company) applying for this licence, and on what basis this control and ownership is achieved. (If this will be different once the station starts broadcasting please say so (a licence is not issued until broadcasting starts.)

The information provided must include:

• all the subscribers, members, shareholders, or whatever is appropriate for the applicant company (or body corporate), and state the extent of their interest (e.g. % shareholding) (if the company will be controlled by members, but the members are not yet recruited, please say so). (You will also be asked about the board of directors in 11 & 12 below.)

• details of any individual, company or other body that may exert control over the applicant.

Ofcom needs to know about the ownership of the company (or other body corporate) applying for this licence, and any issues regarding its control. We will also consider how the company (or body corporate) will be run (this will usually be specified in the Articles of Association of the company).

In relation to exerting control over the applicant, the information provided should include the name and address of any individuals or corporate bodies in accordance with whose wishes the applicant’s affairs are or will be conducted in most cases or in significant respects.

Riviera FM is a limited company by guarantee only, registered at Companies House. It has four directors:

Martin Foster.

Vicky Foster.

Gareth Wynn.

Ian Webb.

Ability to maintain the service:

11. Management and operations Guidance Notes

With regard to the applicant please provide:

• A list of directors, indicating who is the managing director and/or chair (please see question 12

In addition to the notes above on ownership, Ofcom is also required to evaluate the human resources involved in the running of a community radio station. Answers


regarding directors’ details).

• An indication of management structure (e.g. management committee or equivalent, if applicable), and/or

• Information about who would be responsible for the day to day management and running of the station (there is a separate question regarding other staff below). Explain the role(s) in the station, job titles, and indicate whether paid or voluntary, full or part-time (and the number of hours).

should demonstrate how those who have relevant experience will work for the station. In addition, a diagram or organisation chart may help paint a clearer picture.

Martin Foster: Station Manager, and Managing Director

Vicky Foster: Secretary/Human Resources and Director

Gareth Wynn: Chief Engineer/ IT Controller and Director

Ian Webb: Treasurer and Director

12. Management and operations Guidance Notes

Please provide information regarding each director as set out below (some or all of which may be regarded as confidential).

In addition if any individuals have been identified for management roles at the proposed station, please give further information in this section.

Ofcom needs to know about the proposed directors and chair of the applicant. Some or all of the information given in this section will usually be removed from the publicly available copy of this application form. (All community radio applications forms will be made available on our website.) If you request that any information be removed, please indicate which (and why by email to [email protected]).

Name: Martin Foster, BSc (Hons).

Employment: Managing Director Riviera FM (unpaid)

Other directorships: None

Name: Mrs Victoria Foster.

Employment: Director Riviera FM (unpaid)

Other directorships: None

Name: Gareth Wynn, BSc (Hons).

Employment: Technical Analyst ICT: Controller of Riviera FM/Director (unpaid)

Maintains the station’s website, takes on engineering, and operations training duties, and developing software for the station.

Other directorships: None.

Ian Webb, A.C.M.A, C.G.M.A, M.C.I.M. Director Riviera: FM/ Treasurer (unpaid) Other directorships : Four Jackz Ltd, (Restaurant), Bush Construction Ltd, M&L Trawlers Ltd, JWS Executive Cars Ltd

Relevant experience or qualifications: Martin Foster: BSc (Hons), I.Eng, F.I.E.T. Registered Engineer with the UK Engineering Council. Executive Committee Member of the Radio Academy (South West Region). Member of the Community Media Association. Has worked in broadcasting operations, and engineering for more than 40 years. Has worked in school radio Has run Riviera FM very successfully for 8 years.


Victoria Foster: Has Counselling, Mediation, Mentoring, and Secretarial qualifications, she is company secretary, and Human Resources Manager. Has run Riviera FM successfully for 8 years. Gareth Wynn: BSc (Hons). Chief Engineer/ operations training for Riviera FM staff. Outside broadcast, and studio installation experience. Works as an ICT Technical analyst. Has run Riviera FM successfully for 8 years Ian Webb: A.C.M.A., M.C.I.A. C.G.M.A. Station Treasurer, and Financial Advisor. Has been on the Riviera FM Board since 2009. Runs an accountancy business in South Devon. Management Board, all of the above plus: Mr Chris Tucker: Chief Strategy Officer: Founder of Community Radio station Abbey 101 Mr John Hogarth: Programme Controller/Presentation Training, ex- Commercial Radio Presenter for 20 years Mr David Hammond: Senior Presenter, many years’ experience Hospital Radio, 7 years Riviera FM. Mr Peter Chadwick: Assistant Station Manager, Founder of Torbay Hospital Radio, Commercial Radio. Radio experience 30years. Mr Steve Price: Education Manager, 22 years’ experience in Hospital Radio, and 6 years Riviera

FM, College Lecturer.

If any individuals (not necessarily directors) have been identified for management roles please state what experience identified individuals have to undertake the role in question.

13. Staffing structure Guidance Notes

What is the staffing structure of your proposed radio service? Provide a job title for each position and indicate whether the individual will be paid or will work in a voluntary capacity, will be full or part-time (indicate the number of hours for part-time posts). This may be provided as a diagram or organisation chart.

The legislation requires that Ofcom has regard to the applicant’s ability to maintain the proposed service (as well as to ensure the applicant is fit and proper to hold the licence). As well as its ownership, management and operations, the proposed staffing of the station is relevant to these considerations.


The Members are ultimately responsible for the station. These are from the entire community of Torbay.

The Steering Committee (part-time unpaid) are the ears and eyes of the station, and advisory panel for the Management Committee. The Management Committee will be responsible to them, and will adhere to their recommendations. The Steering Committee will adhere strictly to Ofcom requirements.

The Management Board (part-time) unpaid is made up of a team of nine. The Board is there to offer help, and guidance to the stations members, to meet the aims of the Steering Committee. Martin Foster, forty years of broadcasting experience. Victoria Foster, Secretarial, and Human Resources experience. Gareth Wynn Technical IT Analyst. Ian Webb Professional Accountant.

John Hogarth, 20 years’ experience in Commercial Radio. Chris Tucker, founder of Abbey 104, with professional RF systems experience. Steve Price 22 years in radio, initially Hospital Radio, Holds Diplomas in Education, and Psychology studies (College Lecturer).

David Hammond, seven years Riviera FM Presenter, and with Torbay Hospital Radio.

Peter Chadwick, Assistant Station Manager, Founder of Torbay Hospital Radio, worked Devonair (Commercial Radio station) 30 years’ radio experience.

The Station Manager will be responsible for the development of the service. He is directly responsible to the Management Board. He is responsible for the day to day running of the station. He is to follow all guidelines regarding Health and Safety, and broadcasting codes of conduct. Initially this post will be unpaid/ full time 35 hours p/w.

Programme Controller responsible for programme output. To make sure all staff have the correct amount of training. Initially this post will be unpaid/part time 15 hours p/w.

Assistant Station Manager This position will take on some of the Station Manager’s duties, and

Members

Steering Committee

Management Board

Station Manager


deputise as necessary. Unpaid/part time 17.5 hours p/w.

Chief Engineer will take on the main responsibilities, installation work of all studio equipment, and maintaining the stations website, developing software, and IT training. Unpaid/part time 10 hours p/w.

Administration/Human Resources. Maintain the administrative system of the radio station and some reception duties. Human Resources will be focusing on recruitment, and providing direction for all staff. Unpaid /part Time 10 hours p/w

Training Manager/ Education/Outreach unpaid. Train members of staff, and to build links in education with local schools and colleges. Unpaid /Part Time 12 hours p/w

Fundraiser To focus on fundraising, and grant applications. Grants will be paid on a small commission. Part time/ 10 hours p/w.

14. Applicant’s experience Guidance Notes

Please describe the history of your group, and any relevant experience of the group, or the individuals within the group, by answering the questions below.

Ofcom is required to consider whether an applicant has the ability to run a community radio station for the licence period (up to five years). To aid our consideration we want to know about any relevant experience the applicant group as a whole, or the individuals involved, may have.

A. Please provide a brief history of your group.

In 2008 the group met to put ideas forward how to run a Community Radio station in Torbay. It was felt that the community needed to be served better with radio, news, and to fill in the gaps where the current broadcast stations did not deliver social gain. A station that dared to be different and that provides an open access service for the citizens of Torbay was much needed. After much careful planning Riviera FM was born and became live on the internet in 2009.

The group is headed up by Martin Foster BSc (Hons), F.I.E.T., I.Eng. Martin has had over forty years’ experience in broadcasting, he has worked for London Weekend Television, ITN, and the BBC. Martin is also a licensed radio amateur, and holds an advanced Ofcom radio transmitting licence. He has headed up Riviera FM for nearly nine years and runs it extremely successfully. Martin

Assistant Station Manager

Programme Controller/

Presenter Training

Station Manager

Administration/Human Resources

Presenters Producers Journalists

Funding

Education

Training/

Outreach

Chief Engineer/

Operational Training


is on the Board of the Radio Academy South West working alongside BBC Radio Devon, and other broadcast professionals bringing training opportunities, and fostering good will between both Commercial, and Community Radio.

Gareth Wynn BSc (Hons) Chief Engineer/Operational Training has 8 years’ experience of studio installation, and maintenance. Carries out operational training for new presenters, and re-training presenters in new operational techniques. Experience setting up outside broadcasts for transmission on the internet and broadcasting during 3 separate RSLs.

John Hogarth, Programme Controller. John has 20 years’ experience in Commercial Radio. John has been Programme Director, Commercial Traffic Controller, News Management, Head of Presenter Schedules, Ex- Gemini FM, Network Music Programmer, Imaging Producer, and Head of Music. John has worked for many Commercial Radio stations throughout the South West.

B. Please summarise the group’s broadcasting experience (e.g. internet radio, Restricted Service Licences (RSLs)).

The team is made up of very experienced, and some less experienced volunteers. Riviera FM’s internet broadcasts started in 2009. The group has also completed three RSLs for two weeks each. The Riviera FM team set up, and maintained all technical parameters to enable the station to go on air. The IT work was carried out by Gareth Wynn the station’s engineering arm. Initially the transmitter was installed by Transplan for the first RSL. Riviera FM subsequently added Mr P Longhurst (licensed by Ofcom to test transmission equipment) to the Riviera FM team. He will look after, and maintain the transmission equipment as a station volunteer.

The team very competently operated two of the RSLs using microwave links to the remote transmitter site, and Wi-Fi. It was a complete success, showing the group can work together very successfully as a team.

Riviera FM currently has four ex- BBC radio presenters.

C. Please summarise the relevant experience of the group or its members, in relevant non-broadcast areas (such as third sector, local business, fund-raising, training or education).

Ken Pickering, Station, and Professional Fundraiser: (…). Ken was District Manager for the local CAB, and leads with fund raising for Riviera FM.

Steve Price, Education Manager: Lecturer in media and a member of Riviera FM. Steve teaches as a College Lecturer in radio presentation. (…).

Debbie Hyde, Outreach Officer: (…), Engaging with people with diverse needs, and providing

services to people in the Torbay area who might not otherwise have services access.

Martin Foster, Managing Director: (…), Has links with the Chamber of Commerce. He was Vice-chairman of the local Chamber, and still has many business contacts directly, and through the Chamber of Commerce.

D. Please summarise the radio broadcasting experience of key individuals in the applicant group (only if not already described above).

Chris Tucker: Chief Strategy Officer: Founder member Abbey104 the Community Radio station that is based in Sherborne Dorset, joined Riviera FM in January 2017. Abbey 104 formerly Radio Sherborne originally started like Riviera FM as an internet station gained its FM licence in 2011. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge regarding setting up a successful community radio station and bringing it into fruition. Chris also has a background stretching back 40 years in Hospital Radio; he also holds a full Ofcom amateur radio licence. Chris works as a consultant to a major defence company on RF Systems.

Peter Chadwick: Assistant Station Manager: Peter worked for “Devonair Radio”, (Commercial Station), and was founder, and Station Manager of Torbay Hospital Radio. Peter has 30yrs experience in radio, and is very familiar with station management.


Evidence of demand:

15. Demand and/or support Guidance Notes

Please provide a summary of evidence of demand and/or support for your proposed service.

This may include a variety of information, for example:

• summary of support from statutory or voluntary sector organisations which expect to contribute practically and/or financially to your operations, or which would expect to collaborate with you in joint activities;

• evidence of interest generated through radio activity (e.g. RSLs, internet radio), community activity, training, voluntary sector work etc.;

• results of research;

• summary of support from local politicians, councils, educational or religious bodies etc.;

• summary of support from local business or other sectors;

• evidence of support from your proposed target community.

When considering community radio licence applications, Ofcom is required to take into account the extent of local demand for, or support for, the provision of the proposed service.

It is for applicants to decide what evidence of demand or support they wish to submit. However, Ofcom does not believe that generic support for the establishment of a new radio service is as meaningful as evidence of considered support for a specific applicant’s proposals. This means that Ofcom does not attach great value to numerous examples of similar generic or form letters of support by your group, or to petitions.

Copies of letters or research reports etc. should not be submitted. However, your response here may include brief relevant extracts from such material and must represent an accurate and comprehensive summary of any such supporting evidence. If we wish to see the source material, we will ask for it.

Riviera FM’s own local research has found that its residents want local focus in the community where there is a gap; this in turn broadens our listeners’ choice. The support towards Riviera FM for this reason has been overwhelming. Positive support has come in from all sectors of the community including politics, public affairs, religious bodies, arts, entertainment, education, commerce, and industry, BBC, voluntary section, the Mayor, Chairman of Torbay Council, Kevin Foster the local MP and the target community.

Riviera FM has had overwhelming messages of support via e-mail, Facebook, Tweet, texts, letters, and the telephone. It has also had excellent feedback from the community at outside events. Riviera FM is well known in Torbay through its internet station, and its RSLs. A small selection from hundreds of letters are listed below:

To Ofcom

Dear Sirs,

I write as Torbay’s MP in reference to Riviera FM who is providing social gain (for the community I represent), as a seven day live internet service.

Riviera FM has been on the Internet since 2009, plus successfully completing three on-air RSLs on FM.

Riviera FM is fully committed to supporting people in Recovery, and this has led to a weekly Recovery Show.

Education is also very important to Riviera FM, as the station now has a training room where people attend media courses taught by broadcasting professionals.

Torbay shares so many local services, and community projects within the three towns of Brixham, Paignton, and Torquay.

In my opinion it is necessary for Riviera FM to cover the complete geographical area of Torbay rather than the usual 5km advisory area for Community Radio, as I believe Ofcom is taking a more flexible approach in certain cases.

The area of Torbay is served by its unitary authority Torbay Council that forms the “District of Torbay”. Besides the local services being connected, there are so many community projects shared within the towns of Torbay.

Riviera FM will be of great benefit to these communities providing local news, and events information, as well as creating a sense of community cohesion to a mixed age range hence my full support for this application, and the bill I presented to parliament that has now become the Broadcasting (Radio Multiplex Services) Act 2017.


Please consider Riviera FM for a full FM Community Radio licence

Yours sincerely

Kevin Foster MP

Torbay constituency

Dear Martin,

I am writing in support of Riviera FM. I work with many businesses within Torbay, and Riviera FM has always given them support and a great platform within the community. The provision of Community Radio is an important aspect to businesses in the area.

Yours Sincerely

K Thorton for the “Torbay Development Agency/Torbay Council”..

Community Radio licence

To whom it may concern.

As Editor of BBC Radio Devon, I am happy to offer my personal endorsement to Riviera FM. The BBC and Riviera FM has worked together on several events through the Memorandum of Understanding between the Community Media Association and BBC English Regions, although there was a very strong association between BBC Radio Devon and Riviera FM long before this agreement. The BBC has also provided compliance and general presenter training to Riviera FM presenters.

M Grinnell

Editor, BBC Radio Devon.

Dear Ofcom,

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the great work Riviera FM do for the community of Torbay. I work for Shekinah as activities Volunteer Co-ordinator at the Leonard Stocks Centre for the homeless. Some of the members have been developing a radio show on Riviera FM. Our clients need this kind of support with their mental health, and addiction problems. The Riviera FM trainer has shown an inclusive, positive, and an empowering style of teaching. Our clients become more confident, learning new communications skills so they can express themselves more clearly.

The Leonard Stocks Centre would wholeheartedly support Riviera FM in it application for a full Community Radio FM licence.

A Karthauser

Shekinah, Leonard Stocks Centre, Torquay, Devon

BRIXHAM CONSERVATION DAY 30TH MAY 2017

Dear Riviera FM

Thank you so much to you and the team at Riviera FM for helping me promote Brixham Marine Conservation Day last month – we had a great turn out and the stand holders were really pleased.

I believe it would reach even more people if Riviera FM were to secure a FM licence.

Many thanks once again for all your help

Best Annie

South West Conservation Awareness Project @Brixhamdolphins

Dear Martin,

I am writing to you to commend you for the service Riviera.FM offers to the community.

I am constantly impressed by the diversity of music and the overwhelming community support the station offers.

As a listener I would certainly show support behind getting the station on to the FM band as I feel that Riviera FM offers something unique and refreshing, as your broadcasts has local appeal.

I will carry on spreading the word of the station and hope that the station grows from strength to strength.


S Taylor

To whom it may concern

I would like to offer my full support to Riviera FM in their bid for a full community Radio licence in Torbay. I have worked with the radio station group during one of their RSLs and found that the station is delivering much local spirit to the community. Riviera FM is certainly a community station with a difference.

Please consider this group for their full licence application.

Yours faithfully

RT Hon Ann Widdecombe.

Dear Mr Foster,

On behalf of Churston Ferrers Grammar School I would like to thank you for the opportunity for the students to be involved in the RSL of Riviera FM. The communication skills they will hone, coupled with the immeasurable benefit of real life work experience, will stand them in good stead well into the

future.

Yours sincerely

B Owers, Headteacher, Churston Ferrers Grammar School

Ability to maintain the service – financial information:

16. Pre-launch financial information

In assessing an applicant’s ability to maintain the service we need to know what funds and assets it holds, how much it intends to spend getting the station on-air (pre-launch expenditure), and predicted funding for the pre-launch period. Please note ‘in-kind’ income is dealt with in 18 below.

✓Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.

17. Year 1 financial information - income

Please provide information on the predicted income for your first year of broadcasting. N.B. there is a legislative restriction on income from on-air advertising and sponsorship/commercial references (in summary, each station is allowed a ‘fixed revenue allowance’ of £15,000 per year from paid-for advertising and sponsorship; some stations may also be allowed up to 50% of their total relevant information per year (i.e. disregarding the fixed revenue allowance). See the ‘Invitation of applications for community radio licences’ for your region for further information).

✓/ Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.

18. Financial information – in-kind support

Please provide totals that reflect the in-kind support you expect to receive for the pre-launch period, and for year one. You may count some volunteer input as in-kind support – please see our guidance on this http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/broadcast/radio-ops/volunteerinput.pdf

✓ Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your application.

19. Year 1 financial information – outgoings

Please summarise year 1 outgoings – your expected operational expenditure to cover the first 12 months after the service has commenced broadcasting. (Add rows if necessary).


http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/broadcast/radio-ops/volunteerinput.pdf


20. Year 1 financial information – commercial activities on air

During your first year of broadcasting would your proposed station carry any on-air advertising? (If so, please state the amount of income you anticipate from this source and its anticipated proportion of total income)

The legislation for Community Radio places limits on the amount of income annually from the sale of on-air advertising and sponsorship that can be generated.

If ‘No’ might your proposed service seek to carry on-air advertising at a later date? (If so, please state the amount of income you estimate from this source and its estimated proportion of total income)

During your first year of broadcasting would your proposed station carry sponsorship or commercial references in return for payment? (If so, please state the amount of income you anticipate from this source and its anticipated proportion of total income)

If ‘No’ might your proposed service seek to carry sponsorship or commercial references in return for payment at a later date? (If so, please state the amount of income you estimate from this source and its estimated proportion of total income)


21. Pre-launch financial information - contingency

If there is a shortfall between pre-launch predicted income and outgoings, please explain below how you would expect to cover any outstanding costs.


22. Year 1 financial information - contingency

If there is a shortfall between Year 1 income and Year 1 outgoings, please explain below how you would expect to cover any outstanding costs (see also 23 and 24 below).

Alternatively if there is a surplus at the end of Year 1, please explain what you intend to do with such additional resources.

✓ Tick this box if you request Ofcom to withhold this information from the public copy of your

application.

23. Financial information – loans and other borrowings

If any of your proposed funding (either set-up or operational) is in the form of loans e.g. from directors, individuals or organisations, please provide details as to who the loan is from and the terms of such lending, expected repayment terms, interest rate charged and other associated costs.


24. Financial information – alternative funding streams

If there is a shortfall between income and outgoings, what arrangements have you explored and are in place to provide further financial and/or ‘in-kind’ support for your proposed service?

If you have any proposals for expanding and/or changing the funding model of your proposed service after the first year of operation, please provide details below:


Broadcasting engineering:

25. Engineering information

Waveband: This application is for an FM licence Yes

Do you understand the requirements for FM (VHF) and have you incorporated these below and in, for example,

Yes


your start-up and other costs, detailed earlier?

Transmission site address:

What is the postal address and post code: C of E Academy, Cedars Road, Torquay, TQ1 1SB

The NGR is a reference code comprising two letters and two groups of three numbers (e.g. SW 123 456). It is available from Ordnance Survey.

SX92530 64304

What is the height of the site, in metres, Above Ordnance Datum (AOD)?

120m

National Grid Reference (NGR):

In metres, what is the total height of the mast / building Above Ground level (AGL)? 9m

About the site’s dimensions:

What is the height, in metres, of the transmitting antenna AGL?

12m

Please supply photographs of the transmitter mast / building and aerial location.

Aerial to be mounted on upper roof of top picture

✓ Tick if enclosed

Who owns the site and what are their full contact details?

Is this site already used for broadcasting and if so by whom?

No

About the transmission site:

Delete as appropriate the yes/no answers which describe your situation regarding proposed site (it may be that you cannot answer all four questions):

Site identified? Yes

Transmission site availability:

Provisional agreement with site owner in place? Yes

Or under negotiation? N/A

Applicant group owns site? Yes

Other – please specify.

Applicant group owns site? Yes

How to contact you:

26. Public contact details Guidance Notes

Provide the name of the person who will deal with enquiries from the press and public and the contact details for them.

Ofcom will publish community radio licence applications, and from time to time statements which may include public contact details, on its website. A point of contact is required to deal with press and other enquiries from interested parties.

Name: Mr Martin Foster

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.riviera.fm

27. Contact details for Ofcom Guidance Notes

Provide the name of the person who will be Ofcom’s primary contact and their contact details:

Ofcom will need to contact your group in relation to this application.

Concluding declaration:

28. Declaration

APPLICANT’S, DIRECTORS’ AND OWNERS’ OTHER INTERESTS

1. In relation to the applicant and any body’s and/or individuals whose details are given in sections 11, 12

and 13 of this application, please state whether the applicant, anybody or individual is (and if so identify


that body or individual) involved in any of the activities set out in the table below, and the extent of the involvement or interest. For these purposes, the applicant includes associates of the applicant (i.e. directors and their associates and other group companies): (Note: if none of the following categories in this section apply, this must be clearly indicated by writing “none” in any appropriate box.)

Activity/involvement By the applicant and/or a shareholder or member

(section 11 of this application form)

By a director

(section 12 of this application form)

a) Local authorities None None

b) Bodies whose objects are wholly or mainly of a political nature, or which are affiliated to such a body

None None

c) Bodies whose objects are wholly or mainly of a religious nature

None None

d) An individual who is an officer of a body falling within (c) above

None None

e) A body corporate which is an associate (as defined in paragraphs 1(1) and 1(1a) of Part I of Schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Act 1990) or a body falling within (b) or (c) above)

None None

f) An advertising agency or an associate of an advertising agency

None None

g) Other broadcasting interests (including radio, television, satellite and cable broadcasting and allied activities).

None None

Other interests

2. Give details of any other interest or activity of the applicant which is or could be incompatible with the requirements imposed by or under Schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Act 1990 (as modified by the Community Radio Order 2004) and Articles 6 and 7 of the Community Radio Order 2004. Please also give details of any other participant in the applicant whose interest is or could be incompatible with those requirements. (You may need to seek advice about these matters)

Answer:

Other matters

3. In pursuance of its duties under Section 86(4) of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (as amended), Ofcom requires that the applicant should notify Ofcom of any matters which might influence Ofcom’s judgement as to whether:

(i) the applicant;

(ii) any director of the applicant;

(iii) any individual, or any director of a company, who will have an interest of 5 per cent or more in the applicant;

may not be considered a 'fit and proper person' to participate in a radio licence. Such matters would include, for example, the following (whether they occurred in the UK or any other country): any unspent criminal conviction, any undischarged insolvency and/or bankruptcy orders, any disqualification from being a director of a limited company, and any adverse findings made by Ofcom (or its predecessor broadcast regulators), any other regulatory authority and/or any court or tribunal in respect of any regulatory matters.

Answer:

Do you confirm, to the best of your knowledge and belief, that:

4. The applicant is not a disqualified person in relation to the licence by virtue of the provisions of section 143 (5) of the Broadcasting Act 1996 (relating to political objects);

5. The applicant is not otherwise a disqualified person in relation to the licence by virtue of Part II of Schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Act 1990 or any other rule prohibiting its holding the licence;

6. No director, member or other person involved directly or indirectly in the management of the applicant group is the subject of a disqualification order as defined by section 145 (1) of the Broadcasting Act 1996;

7. No person (body corporate or individual) involved in the application has been convicted within the past five years of an unauthorised broadcasting offence and that the applicant will do all it can to ensure that


no person (body corporate or individual) so convicted will be concerned in the provision of the service, the making of programmes included in it, or the operation of the radio station if the applicant is granted a licence; and

8. Any matters which might influence Ofcom's judgement as to whether the directors or members of the applicant group are fit and proper persons to participate in a radio licence have been made to Ofcom.

Applicants should note that Ofcom reserves the right to revoke a licence if at any time any material statement made is found to be false and to have been made by the applicant or any member or officer thereof knowing it to be false, and that in the circumstances of section 144 of the Broadcasting Act 1996, the provision of false information or the withholding of relevant information with the intention of misleading Ofcom could incur a criminal conviction and a disqualification from the holding of a licence.

✓ Please tick this box to confirm that the applicant agrees with the above statements.

Please tick the boxes below to indicate which additional documentation is included as part of this application. We are not willing to accept additional information with this application, other than that set out below:

✓ Memorandum & Articles of Association

✓ Certificate of Incorporation

✓ Application Payment (UK £ 600.00) non-returnable

✓ Photographs of the transmitter mast / building and aerial location.

I hereby apply to Ofcom for the grant of a community radio licence and declare that the information given in this application and any additional documentation is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, correct.

Martin Foster (Name of person)

Managing Director (Title or position in the applicant group)

11/07/2017 (Date)

1. station name guidance notes 2. community to be served ... · riviera fm will work with...

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