Exeter-based Radio Exe is to apply for the Torbay licence, currently held by Celador and broadcasting as The Breeze.
Ofcom has invited applications of intent before fast-tracking automatically it back to Celador. Exe Broadcasting says it will challenge the licence and begin a period of consultation and research into what listeners want from their local station in the meantime.
Before rebranding as The Breeze and taking networked off-peak programmes from Southampton, the station was known as Palm 105.5.
Director Paul Nero told RadioToday: “Radio Exe is the only station, commercial or BBC, that’s made in Devon, all day, every day. If Exe Broadcasting’s application is successful, we promise that Torbay will receive a similar level of local commitment and output from local broadcasters who understand the area as their neighbours in Exeter.”
Exe Broadcasting acquired the station, then known as Exeter FM, from Devon Radio Ltd in 2011 when it was in financial difficulties. It is now locally owned and operated.
