RADIO Ceredigion will close after owner Nation Broadcasting was given permission to broadcast Nation Radio on its current frequencies.

Regulator Ofcom said it had awarded the Ceredigion licence to Nation Broadcasting despite “barely any evidence that the station would broaden choice for listeners”.

The regulator said the application had a lack of commitment to provide any Ceredigion-specific local content, or provide Welsh language content in an area with a relatively high proportion of Welsh speakers.

But Ofcom felt that the ability of Nation Broadcasting to maintain the service was of key importance, made possible by replacing the existing Radio Ceredigion service with a relay of the South Wales-licenced service Nation Radio.

Historically, the Ceredigion licence has been difficult to operate profitably because of the large coverage area requiring three different frequencies and a small population and low potential commercial revenue base.

The decision has been criticised by language campaigners, who have called for the devolution of broadcasting powers to Wales.

Heledd Gwyndaf, from Welsh language campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith, said: “It's obvious that the Westminster-run broadcasting system is not benefiting Ceredigion or our country. Devolving the power over broadcasting to our Senedd in Wales is the only answer.

“For a start, regulatory powers should be devolved, so we as a nation can decide what we want from our broadcasters.

“The British Government, through Ofcom, is currently planning to reduce regulation even further – there won't be any obligation for commercial radio to report on national Welsh news or to broadcast in the Welsh language if they get their way.

“Powers over broadcasting really need devolving to Wales so we as a nation can set the rules ourselves, based on what’s important to us. What sense does it make for the country next door to us to be responsible for broadcasting in our country?"