Community radio group presses Ofcom on future FM licensing

The UK Community Radio Network is urging Ofcom to commit to issuing new FM community radio licences in its 2026/27 work plan.

The call focuses on radio’s role in local communities, with UKCRN warning that the absence of a clear FM licensing timetable could leave many areas without access to broadcast services for years.

In its response to Ofcom’s consultation on the draft plan of work, the network says references to “next steps for radio” fall short of a firm commitment, despite the completion of the small-scale DAB rollout.