Celador will face competition for the Torbay licence from Radio Exe, the regulator has confirmed.
RadioToday revealed Radio Exe’s intentions to apply for the licence earlier this year, and now the two applications have been submitted to Ofcom.
Celador proposed to continue transmitting The Breeze, saying profits have grown over the last 18 months since it rebranded from Palm 105.5, and they plan to invest £40,000 each year in marketing the station.
Radio Exe is proposing to launch a new station called Devon Sound. Devon Sound would share a format with Radio Exe and generate economies of scale to ensure long-term viability. It will also have dedicated Torbay programmes daily and promises double the amount of news than The Breeze.
Amongst its commitments, should it win the licence, Devon Sound says it will hire a female breakfast presenter and have a weekend programme hosted by a blind presenter. It will also broadcast on DAB unlike, it points out, the current licence holder.
Devon Sound also says it will improve the current listening figures by understanding the audience and having more engaging content.
See both of the applications on the Ofcom website here and here.
