On 13 May 2022, the CPTRA announced a competition for 13 regional radio licences. The competition was open to current radio programmes that wished to expand their range, as well as new programmes wanting to enter the market.
The number of applications in the competition was 34. In nine transmission ranges, several applicants sought to obtain a radio licence, resulting in fierce competition. For example, as many as five applicants wanted a radio licence in Jõgeva and Lääne-Viru County. The procedure of the competition prescribes that, in such cases, the CPTRA will assemble a committee consisting of media experts, who will assess the compliance of the applications with the law and the secondary conditions established by the Minister of Culture. Based on the proposal of the committee, the CPTRA decided to issue 13 radio licences in various regions in Estonia.
‘It is a pleasure to see the great interest of entrepreneurs in broadcasting radio programmes,’ said Kristi Talving, Director General of the CPTRA. ‘The committee of media experts did an excellent job, which allows us to welcome two completely new radio programmes: Star FM Eesti and TRE Raadio in Lääne County. In addition, the proportion of Estonian and Russian radio programmes will increase and the selection of music will expand across Estonia. I am also especially pleased about the wider distribution opportunities of music created by Estonians themselves,’ Talving added.
An overview of the recipients of radio licences in various transmission ranges is given.