it was considered by the government of the day that in many areas then served by only one commercial radio service (on am), the introduction of an additional and independent commercial fm service would result in economic viability issues for one or both of the services. when initially announced in 1980, the scheme was to apply to both commercial radio and commercial television services. but by the time of commencement in 1985, the program was available for commercial radio services only. solus regional commercial radio operators were invited to apply for supplementary fm licences and most did so. however the scheme quickly became mired in litigation as prospective independent licensee contested the economic viability assessments. by the time the process was concluded by the commencement of the broadcasting services act 1992, only a handful of supplementary licences had been issued.