Ofcom found that Juice FM Belfast is more like a “general service broadcasting a very limited amount of specialist programming for the LGBT+ community, rather than a service specifically for that community”.

It acknowledged that the radio station has a daily show called AMDMs (A Morning Dedicated to Matters), which focuses on discussion of LGBT+ issues.

It also broadcasts a segment called “Listen with Pride”, spotlighting various LGBT+ organisations and services, every hour — more than 160 times per week.

However, Ofcom said the “vast majority of the content” — i.e. music — “could not be distinguished from the content available on a mainstream service for Belfast”.

Shane Pearce, founder and managing director of Juice Radio, told BBC News NI the station was previously rebuked in 2022 for not broadcasting enough “LGBT anthems”.

“We defended our mission rooted in community, diversity and authentic music and Ofcom conceded that we met their requirements,” he said.

“Ofcom has changed their tune, claiming that our still compliant music policy and character of service no longer cut it.

“This flip-flopping isn’t just inconsistent, it’s a masterclass in contradiction.”