Unique circumstances will lead to Northampton gaining an extra two community stations.
Inspiration FM, an existing station, had previously missed a deadline to apply for a new license to continue broadcasting. This resulted in Ofcom opening a special window for applications for community radio licenses in Northampton.
This resulted in three applications, including a new application from Inspiration FM to continue broadcasts. All three applications have been awarded a license.
In addition to Inspiration FM, and existing community station N:Live, two new services will also launch:
Embrace Radio – for all members of the community within the Northampton area, with a focus on regular local news.
Revolution Radio – to serve the diverse ethnic communities of Northampton, also intending to appeal to a wider audience and facilitate links with marginalised communities.
The new licenses run for a period of 5 years.
(Format descriptions adapted from those published on radiotoday.co.uk.)