Community and commercial radio services can apply for improvements to existing coverage within the current licensed coverage area or, in specific circumstances, for an extension of the licensed coverage area.
More information is available for community radio services and commercial radio services, including how to apply.
Renewal procedure for local radio multiplex licences: update October 2024 (PDF, 146.0 KB)
Renewal procedure for local radio multiplex licences: update March 2023 (PDF, 107.3 KB)
Gweithdrefn adnewyddu trwyddedau amlblecs radio lleol: diweddariad (PDF, 102.2 KB)
Renewal procedure for local radio multiplex licences (PDF, 253.5 KB)
Renewal procedure for local analogue licences (PDF, 187.7 KB)
Renewal of the Independent National Radio licences
Renewal of the Independent National Radio licences (PDF, 142.0 KB)
Community radio licences can now be renewed for up to five years, on two consecutive occasions.
Extension procedure for existing Community Radio licensees
(PDF, 206.6 KB)
Community Radio licence extension application form (RTF, 930.8 KB)
A Format document sets out the type of broadcast output that each commercial radio station is required to deliver. It encapsulates the character of the service a station is obliged to deliver as a condition of its licence.
The regulation of Format changes (PDF, 63.7 KB)
Format change request form (RTF, 984.4 KB)
For more information about Format changes, see Formats and content regulation.
The holder of a national or local radio multiplex licence may apply to Ofcom to vary their licence as it relates to the digital sound programme services which are provided on the multiplex. This may be a request to change the Format description of an existing service (or services), a request to add or remove a service, or a request to change the technical parameters under which a service is broadcast (e.g. from stereo to mono).
Older change requests are available at the National Archives.
We have a statutory duty to investigate any "changes of control" to our licensed stations, including those caused by acquisitions or mergers.