 The Radio Authority ( and subsequently Ofcom ) continue to award regional ensemble licences to a number of radio groups with advertising of the licences starting from 1998 , and licence awards being awarded from 10 May 1999 , with the Birmingham ensemble being the first local licence being issued to CE Digital . The Birmingham ensemble licence award was followed by awards for licences in Manchester , Greater London , Glasgow and South Yorkshire , with more licences being awarded afterwards . 
