For the first time, an incumbent radio operator has lost its broadcasting license upon routine Ofcom re-advertisement.
Ipswich FM will take over the license currently held by Town 102, to broadcast in Ipswich and the surrounding area. The current license expires on the 28th October 2018.
Town 102 has been operating since 2006, and more recently came under the ownership of Celador. The station as struggled with low audience figures. All programming on Town 102 is currently networked across the Anglian Radio portfolio (which includes 4 other stations and is based in Norwich), with some programmes originating from The Breeze network in the South West of England.
Ipswich FM is backed by Muxco Suffolk Radio, who operate the local Suffolk DAB multiplex. Muxco Suffolk Radio is backed by Nation Radio and Lincs FM. Ipswich FM will be on the Suffolk DAB multiplex.