BAI updates guides for temporary radio services

The BAI has published new Guides to Submissions and Application Forms for temporary sound broadcasting services.

The updated documents are:

• A Guide to Submissions for the provision of Temporary Sound Broadcasting Services and an associated Application Form
• A Guide to Submissions for the provision of pilot Community Temporary Sound Broadcasting Services and an associated Application Form

The separate guides and application forms have been developed to reflect the different types of temporary radio services which may be licensed further to Section 68(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (“the Act”); Temporary Sound Broadcasting Services, and Pilot Community Temporary Sound Broadcasting Services.

Further information on these services is set out below:

Temporary Sound Broadcasting Services

– The first Guide and Application Form relates to applicants who are applying to operate a temporary radio service for a maximum of 30 days in a 12-month period. Applicants for this type of temporary radio service can apply for a range of reasons, including school and university services which wish to provide students with valuable broadcasting experience, or events such as drive-in movies, local festivals and social or cultural initiatives.

Pilot Community Temporary Sound Broadcasting Services

– The second Guide and Application Form relates to applicants who are applying to operate a pilot community temporary radio service. This type of temporary radio service facilitates aspirant community radio groups. The guide and form have been developed to assist pilot community applicants in their understanding of the expectations and requirements of community radio broadcasters who may wish to be licensed under Section 64 of the Act, and the BAI Policy on Community Radio Broadcasting.

– Successful applicants enter into a temporary sound broadcasting contract on a pilot community basis. This enables pilot groups to gain valuable experience in running a community station, and to develop mechanisms for ensuring their service is operated in accordance with the provisions of Section 64 of the Act and the BAI Policy on Community Radio Broadcasting.

– Pilot community applicants are afforded the opportunity to broadcast up to a maximum of 100 days during a 12-month period. However, the BAI would emphasise that Applicants can broadcast for less than 100 days and may initially consider broadcasting for a shorter period.

Applicants must reference the appropriate guide, and use the appropriate application form for the type of service they wish to operate. Further information on the temporary licensing process can be found on the BAI website here.