Media regulator Ofcom has today released information about the eleven stations bidding for the new commercial radio licence available in Manchester, after applications closed yesterday afternoon.

Media giants Chrysalis and Emap are both in the running with Emap's Piccadilly Talk, a music-free 24 hour news, sport, features and phone-in station going against a similar package from Chrysalis called GMBC, with output similar to its London LBC station.

Chrysalis also has another application in the mix for its digital rock station, 106.1 The Arrow, aimed at listeners over 35.

Among the other applications Adult-Orientated-Rock (AOR) appears to dominate the proposed programming.

Absolute Radio's Jack FM application offers "classic rock to people aged 45-59 years with an all-speech peak time breakfast show"; Original 106 FM says it will provide "an eclectic mix of adult-orientated music with particular ABC1 appeal," and MNR FM's and Manchester Citylife's applications seem to be offering much the same.

Rock Talk Manchester, owned by Guardian Media Group which unsuccessfully bid for the North East licence with RockTalk earlier this year, proposes a station of "speech and rock music service for 35-64 year olds" with a "strong commitment to local news".

106.1 Manchester Sound and Masti Radio are both aiming to serve Manchester’s under-35 Asian community, with a mix of ethnic focused programmes and music.

Only newly formed independent UK1 FM Manchester, which is behind Channel 4 Radio's new series of The Tube, has an application summary that differs from its competitors. It is proposing a "contemporary and unpredictably wide music mix as well as producing a fresh and intelligent approach to news, sport, current affairs and talent development in key genres such as music, journalism, comedy and enterprise," what it calls "the heart beat of Manchester".

Whoever wins the new licence will be fighting against 11 other commercial stations, including Emap's Manchester's Key 103 and Magic 1152 AM, already operating in the area.

The victor will be able to broadcast to the City of Manchester and the surrounding area, reaching a potential audience of 1,450,000 adults. Ofcom are expected to reach a decision in a few months time.