Local MP Chris Green has spoken out in the House of Commons in support of Bolton FM’s campaign to increase its broadcast area.
Bolton FM are currently licensed to broadcast in Bolton town centre and within a 5 km radius, leaving those living in Westhoughton, Horwich, Hunger Hill and Chew Moor only being able to listen to the station online.
If Bolton FM’s application to Ofcom to extend their broadcast area is successful, the station could broadcast across all towns in Bolton, meaning that local people can benefit from the tailored information the station provides.
In the House of Commons, Mr Green asked: “Can we have a debate about how the government can support local radio stations, including the relocation of masts, so that my constituents, especially those in Hunger Hill and Chew Moor can have a better reception for Bolton FM?”
In response to the question, the Leader of the House, Andrea Leadsom, said: “I’m sure we’d all love access to Bolton FM.
“Local radio stations are very often valuable sources of information as well as entertainment for local communities and I would encourage him to perhaps seek an adjournment debate.”
Chairman and founder of Bolton FM, local businessman Dr Andrew Dickson said: “We really welcome Chris Green’s support for Bolton FM and his desire that matches only ours to achieve an extension to our coverage area of transmission so we can become truly the community radio station for all of Bolton’s various communities.”
Following his recent question, Mr Green has put forward a request for an adjournment debate, titled “Supporting local radio stations”.