The Communication Commission is inviting applicants to propose a new FM radio station to serve the Isle of Man.
The broadcast licence currently held by 3FM is due to expire in September, triggering a public tender process run by the commission.
The successful applicant will be awarded a 10-year licence to use the frequencies for broadcasting from October 1 this year.
There is no legislation that enables a current supplier to renew their contract, so all three of the existing broadcasters – 3FM, Energy FM and Manx Radio – must take part in a public tender process when their respective licences expire.
Ron Berry, 3FM’s boss, confirmed the company would apply to renew its licence.
Energy FM’s licence was renewed in July 2013 after it was the only organisation to submit a proposal.
Applications must satisfy the requirements of the Broadcasting Act 1993, which created the three licences currently in effect.
Key considerations in the process will be the ability for an applicant to maintain the proposed service for the duration of the licence, whether it would broaden the range of programming available to island audiences and whether the proposal would have an impact on existing services.
The commission may also refuse a licence if the applicant is not considered to be a ‘fit and proper person’.
Interested parties have until Monday, March 10, to submit proposals.
A new Communications Bill, which is currently being drafted and is expected to be published for public consultation by the end of the year, may allow for renewals by existing broadcasters in future.
More information and a guide to the application process can be found at the commission’s website www.iomcc.im