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Six months after the Belgian State Council terminated Radio Minerva’s FM license, the Council has granted the Antwerp-based station a new license. The State Council had ruled that Radio Minerva could remain on the air until August 19, pending the Flemish media minister Benjamin Dalle’s decision to award a new license.
In March, Dalle invited stations to submit applications for the 98.0 FM frequency. Two stations replied to the appeal — Radio Minerva and Radioworks. After thoroughly examining the two applications, Dalle ruled in favor of Radio Minerva. On July 16, the Minister brought the news to the station in Antwerp’s left bank district.
“It was quite a procedure, with the quality of the applications as key elements,” commented Dalle. “In Flanders, we have strong local radio stations with volunteers and passionate radio people, offering a unique position in the media landscape. Radio Minerva plays a key role in the life of many listeners, and I’m happy we can now offer legal certainty.”
Frank Boekhoff, manager of Radio Minerva, added that the station would remain on the airwaves. “We thank our audience, the Flemish Government and the City of Antwerp for backing our project. We now plan a number of summer events to thank our listeners.”
Radio Minerva targets older audiences in the greater Antwerp area, with volunteers presenting crooners and hits from yesteryear.
