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Reproduced from Manchester Evening News 6 Febuary, 1998
Boss FM wins new radio licence
A RADIO company that wants to fill the airwaves with fun is the shock
winner of the newest north west radio licence. There was tough
competition from 21 applicants, including Sir George Martin, Bob Geldof
and Pete Waterman. But the Radio Authority announced it would go to
outsiders Boss FM, owned by Border Radio Holdings, a subsidiary of
Border Television. The Carlisle-based company already runs local radio
stations in Nottingham, Sunderland and Carlisle - but even they were
surprised by the decision. Graham Robb, from Border Radio Holdings,
said: "We planned to win, but didn't expect to and found it a great
surprise." The station, to be based in Manchester and broadcast to five
million listeners by September, will be modelled on the "fun" character
Border have achieved at Century FM. There will be more chat than music,
but bosses say it won't be too serious. "Century has a reputation for
fun," said Mr Robb. "It's more like Virgin Radio with more speech. There
will be lots of good news, fun items, chat and competitions." But Mr
Robb said the station, which will cost more than 2 million to set up,
will also emphasise local talent. Border Radio Holdings' managing
director John Myers said: "The licence was the most sought-after in the
UK, with more groups applying for this than any other. We intend to make
a huge impact." Mark Story, who led the Bob Geldof-backed bid said: "We
are disappointed. I think it has surprised a lot of people."
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