Radio buffs and would-be DJs can now apply for an eight-year radio licence for the Crawley and Reigate areas.
The Radio Authority is inviting declarations of intent to apply the licences, which would run from January 2005.
The present FM licence is held by Radio Mercury, broadcasting as Mercury FM, and the AM band licence is held by Classic Gold Digital, broadcasting as Classic Gold 1521. Both licences are due to expire at the end of 2004.
The FM service covers a population of about 390,000 and the AM covers 470,000.
Prospective applicants, including the existing licensees, have until December 17 to submit their declarations of intent along with a fee of £1,500 for the FM licence or £3,500 for the AM licence. They must also pay a refundable deposit of £20,000 for the FM licence and £26,700 for the AM licence.
If the only declaration is from an existing licensee and is uncontested, the licensee will be invited to re-apply under a fast-track procedure.
If a declaration of intent is received from anyone else then the licences will be formally readvertised with a closing date for applications due to be set in April.
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