THE north's first full-time Ulster Scots radio station is to hit the airwaves after being granted a broadcasting licence.
Ballymoney-based fUSe FM was one of five stations granted new community radio licences by communications regulator Ofcom, it was announced yesterday.
Maghera-based Radio G will become the first Irish-language station based out-side Belfast.
The others granted licences were Chaine FM in Larne, Portadown's Bridge FM and Belfast FM, which will serve over-55s.
FUSe FM has operated since December 2007 under a limited licence that al-lowed it to broadcast for up to 28 days twice a year.
Ian Crozier, chief executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency, said the new licence for the station at the Ullans Centre in Ballymoney, Co Antrim, was an "excellent opportunity" for Ulster Scots.
"Community radio plays an extremely important part in the promotion of minority cultures locally," he said.
"The award of a full-time licence to the Ullans Speakers' Association is an excel-lent opportunity for them to develop the Ulster-Scots radio provision in North Antrim."
North Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann welcomed the announcement.
"I am delighted that with the awarding of this community radio licence to fUSe FM those from the Ulster Scots tradition have an opportunity to share such a vibrant and rewarding culture and language," he said.
There are already 12 community radio stations in the north and more than 200 across the UK.
Community stations generally cover small geographical areas and are run on a not-for-profit basis, providing local content and offering training and work experience opportunities.
Radio G - run by Carntogher Community Association near Maghera, Co Derry - is expected to cost more than £36,000 to set up.
Niall O Cathain (43), a member of the association's board of directors, said he hoped that the station would be on air by early next year.
He said the licence "means that we will be able to more effectively communicate with our community".
"We will be able to train young people up in media and making programmes, which will help build their confidence," he said.
"We would like to get all age groups involved as well."
Belfast FM director John Rosborough said the new station would connect with over-55s in the city.
"For people aged 55 and over, radio has been the soundtrack of their lives and they currently listen to it for longer than any other age groups," he said.
However, there was disappointment for some areas of the north as Ofcom declined five other community radio applications.
The unsuccessful bids were made by Destination Newry, Banbridge-based Bounce FM, Strule FM in Omagh and Belfast's Lagan FM and The Super Station Belfast.