Bosses at Nantwich-based The Cat Community Radio Station spoke of their joy today at securing a five-year FM licence from Ofcom.
It means the station, based out of Frederick House in Nantwich, will now be able to broadcast on air rather than internet-only.
Ofcom ruled that the licence should go to The Cat rather than Crewe-based Redshift Radio.
The Cat Chairman Chris Radford said: “I am absolutely delighted with OfCom’s announcement.
“Our FM licence will allow The Cat to reach a far wider audience, while continuing to serve and entertain our local community and beyond.”
Paul Simpson, member of the station for 20 years, said: “This has been a long wait not just for the community of Crewe and Nantwich but for all of the dedicated volunteers that have worked on community radio in the area over the last 21 years.
“We have an amazing history in our area from Youth FM, YFM Witch FM to The Cat.
“It has been a long wait so a big thank you to all of the volunteers and the community that have, and continue to support us.”
Redshift Radio station director Liz Southall said they were “saddened” by the announcement but wished The Cat good luck.
She believes Ofcom’s reasoning, citing a lack of grant funding in the station’s first three years, are “unjust”.
“There has been no contact from Ofcom to check our financial situation or even check how many hours we are currently
broadcasting.
“We have been penalised for being financially stable in our own right without relying heavily on grants and donations,a model that I have never believed to be sustainable for any not-for-profit organisation.
“Ironically, since January this year we have put in for two grants and been successful in both but alas, prior to
submitting the application last October, this was not the case.
“I have always had a firm belief that everything happens for a reason and am confident that the excellent team at
Redshift can reposition ourselves in order to move on from this. I would like to wish The Cat good luck on FM.”
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