Gosford Community Applications and Lismore Licence Comments Close

Applications have closed for a new community radio broadcasting licence for the Gosford area on the NSW Central Coast.

From Friday 30 April, copies of all applications will be made available for public perusal in the Gosford City Public Library and placed on the ABA’s website (www.aba.gov.au/radio).

The ABA welcomes written submissions from the public on applications received. Submissions should be lodged with the ABA by 5pm on Friday 14 May. Submissions can also be lodged via email ([email protected]).

While the ABA is preparing to make a decision on who will get a permanent community licence in Gosford, it has invited all three aspirant groups to take up time under the Temporary Community Broadcast provisions of the Act.

PCR FM, Radio Yesteryear and Rhema have all been allocated TCBL broadcast dates in the next few months.

Radio Yesteryear is back on from 1/4/04-31/5/04, PCR FM will be on air from 1/6/04-31/7/04 and Rhema FM Gosford has been allocated 1/8/04-30/9/04.

The TCBL dates indicate the ABA is unlikely to make a final decision on the controversial licence allocation until the end of the year.

Meanwhile, public comments have closed on plans to grant FM capacity to 2LM Lismore on the NSW far north coast to overcome blackspot problems in the Kyogle area.

The ABA is also proposing FM capacity for the ABC in Lismore for a future national radio service.

The proposals are contained in the draft variation to the Lismore radio licence area plan. The draft and an explanatory paper are available from the ABA’s website or by calling 1 800 810 241.