Licence Bid
There was much discussion on Widnes and Runcorn's acceptance of the name 'Wire', however the Radio Authority later indicated this was a key factor in awarding the licence. Application documents were submitted during May 1997 and the Radio Authority awarded the licence to Wire FM during November 1997.
Competing applications were :
Warrington – Warrington FM (Local Consortium with David Rodgers of Orchard FM) Warrington – Radio Warrington (Warrington Colligiate Institute lead bid backed by The Wireless Group) Halton – Fun FM (backed by The Bay)
Following the licence award, problems with securing an antenna site caused a six-month delay in getting on-air. The original space secured on the High Warren tower operated by Mercury Communications has been given to another user. By massive good fortune, Orange were in the process of securing planning permission for a new, higher tower on close by land owned by Warrington Golf Course. A deal was struck and Orange were able to offer the station the prime antenna location at the top of the tower.
Read more about this topic: Wire FM
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