The voice of the Riverside is looking to put commercial radio back on Teesside's airwaves

The voice of the Riverside is looking to put commercial radio back on Teesside’s airwaves.

Teesside has not been served by a local commercial radio station since TFM moved to Newcastle back in 2013 - but that could change if Middlesbrough FC Riverside Stadium public announcer Mark Page is successful in his application to operate a commercial radio station in the region.

With a voice well-known to Boro fans, Mark’s broadcasting career has also seen him present on nearly 40 stations worldwide including the early weekend breakfast show on BBC Radio 1 between 1983 and 1986.

Now Mark is applying for one of only 10 licences being made available for trials of small scale DAB radio stations by UK broadcast regulator Ofcom.

“Since TFM moved to Newcastle nearly two years ago, this is the largest area of the UK not served by a local commercial radio station,” said Mark.

“Although it is not the preferred choice of FM, the digital trial is more than feasible and would also be broadcast on the internet and as an app.

“However they are offering just ten trials across the whole of the UK.”

The trial licences will be awarded by Ofcom in a ‘beauty contest’ in which licences are granted only to applicants that meet strict criteria such as the requirement to launch within 12 weeks.

With the April 7 application closing date approaching, Mark is confident he can impress the regulator with his experience having previously owned and operated a number of network and commercial radio stations including Garrison FM, which provided radio services to the UK armed forces from 2001-2013.

If awarded a licence, the station would operate on a ‘multiplex platform’ meaning that, alongside Mark’s proposal for a full-service professional radio station, several third party radio channels could be broadcast over the single signal.

“It’s about finding interested parties,” said Mark.

“So I am looking at this stage for investors and other broadcast stations who can afford to be on this local multiplex, as Ofcom are encouraging bids with multiple broadcasters.

“There’s a real opportunity for other broadcasters and I would encourage them to get in touch.”

Broadcasters wishing to contact Mark Page regarding the multiplex radio station should email mark@garrisonfm.com.