THE past two months have been an important time in the world of broadcasting in Oxfordshire, writes Zahra Borno. BBC Radio Oxford returned to the airwaves after a brief spell in the wilderness, and Oxford's newest commercial radio station, MORE 106.8 FM, went on air.

Listeners have hailed MORE FM a massive success - and have said that they want more.

Though the station, based at This Is oxfordshire's head office in Osney Mead, Oxford, is hoping to make a successful bid for a radio licence, it will cease broadcasting on Sunday.

It was granted a temporary licence for a month and that cannot be extended. The station's aim is to fill a gap in Oxfordshire's listening market. MORE FM plays music from the Sixties through to today's hits.

Its carefully planned schedule guarantees listeners at least 30 minutes of non-stop music every hour. Hits include popular tracks by bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and REM, and artists such as Elton John, Phil Collins and David Bowie were also played over the airwaves.

Newquest (Oxfordshire) Ltd, which owns This Is Oxfordshire, teamed up with radio operator Chrysalis Radio and other local businesses to launch the station.

The consortium, called South Central Media, is lobbying the Radio Authority to award it a licence for a new station in Oxfordshire. More than 600 listeners e-mailed MORE FM's bosses to say how much they enjoyed the station, in particular its music mix. And scores of listeners wrote to show their support.

One, from Doug Drewett, read: "Just to let you know that I think your radio station is excellent. It covers all age groups and it pleases everyone. Good luck - I hope you get your licence."

Another, from Judith and Cliff Haslett, read: "We think MORE FM has to be one of the best music radio stations on the planet."

Hundreds of people have entered a competition This Is Oxfordshire has been running in conjunction with the launch of the radio station. It has been offering readers the chance to win a fabulous summer holiday worth up to £2,000. The lucky winner will be announced on Sunday (February 27). Newsquest (Oxfordshire) Ltd managing director Shamus Donald said: "Listeners' reponse to MORE FM has been encouraging during its short life. It has given us a firm base on which to promote our case for a greater choice in the Oxfordshire radio market."

Many MORE FM fans want to know whether the station will transmit on a permanent basis. But that decision rests in the hands of the Radio Authority. Should it decide to grant a further licence for the area, then it will be up to MORE FM to put together a successful bid.

Story date: Thursday 24 February

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