Edition 83
www.thecourier.es
Friday, September 21, 2012
Our latest edition is always online at www.thecourier.es
SILENCED
IN what is widely believed to be the beginning of the end of local English-speaking radio stations, TKO has been instructed by the Valencian authorities to close down immediately due to licensing issues. Listeners have been mystified as to the whereabouts of their favourite presenters on both TKO FM & TKO GOLD since they stopped broadcasting at 3pm on Monday. The TKO Media Group issued a statement to The Courier stating that the content of a registered letter had made it very clear that unless transmission ceased immediately, they would likely be fined up to €200,000. TKO management have been aware for some time that the Valencia administration has been looking at licensing issues - a very hazy area. They have also been told that other radio stations in the area – both English and Spanish - have received similar letters and that one broadcaster has had its equipment impounded and received a substantial fine for failing to comply. A senior source within the TKO Media Group said: “As the most high-profile and
English speakers lose their voice as licensing bosses order TKO off air
By TKO Gold’s DARREN JAMES open station in the area, we appear to have been one of the early recipients of the formal correspondence. This is a very upsetting day for all of us involved with TKO and we feel strongly that the many loyal listeners and advertisers have been denied a vital part of their day-to-day life.” Presenters from both services had the upsetting news broken to them on Tuesday lunchtime. TKO immediately placed a statement on their Facebook sites explaining that they had no choice. TKO Media Group man-
agement have asked The Courier to thank everyone – DJs, sales and backroom staff – for all their excellent work and professionalism, and their understanding of a situation that has been out of their control, and TKO’s. Since broadcasting stopped, scores of well-wishers have posted messages on the Facebook sites. One listener, Glynis, wrote: “You’re a victim of your own success. Other radio stations can’t compete!” David, one of the many UK listeners on the Internet,
commented: “Keep it there and come back soon; too many good things to simply pack it in!” And Fay posted what many have been saying: “Look forward to having you back on soon……I miss you in my car!” TKO also wish to thank all the businesses and, indeed, other radio stations that have expressed their support and offered help. If this is the start of the purge of all local radio stations, it’s going to be a massive blow to listeners, advertisers and the commu-
nity as a whole. TKO in particular has provided superb entertainment through its professional and popular presenters, given businesses of all nationalities the chance to promote their products via a different media, and promoted the many charities and organisations that help to raise thousands of Euros. One theory is that some major Spanish broadcasters in the area have noticed a reduction in their advertising revenue, and that this is due entirely to the recent influx of
English speaking radio stations in the area. Unfortunately, Spanish radio – because of the language barrier – has never attracted many expats; equally, large international and small businesses have considered this outlet a waste of money and time to attract their preferred customers. These vital direct routes into peoples´ homes and cars – expat and tourists alike are being stopped. The only light at the end of the long tunnel is TKO being informed by the Valencian authorities on Wednesday, that there will be another opportunity “soon” to formally apply for a broadcasting licence. TKO have told The Courier that they will most definitely be pursuing this action as soon as possible! Meanwhile, TKO continues to broadcast music only via the Internet, and will keep you informed as to the future of the radio station via its Facebook sites, website and The Courier.