Call for prompt action on commercial radio deregulation

Radiocentre has published its official response to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) consultation on commercial radio deregulation, which closed on Monday 8 May.

The industry welcomes Government proposals to reform the current system of radio regulation, which was devised in the late 1980s.  Radiocentre agrees with the main recommendations being proposed and suggests that DCMS prepare a response and plan for implementation as quickly as possible.  In addition it suggests that Ofcom should be asked to relax current rules as part of the transition process.

Digital technology has transformed Britain’s media. Entertainment and information can now be consumed almost anywhere, at any time. These changes offer tremendous opportunities to listeners and broadcasters but the regulation of commercial radio has not kept pace with them. Regulatory reform is critical so that radio stations can fully embrace technological change.

Key areas for reform are:

• removal of  format requirements – provide radio stations with greater freedom to choose their music, catering better for the demands of local listeners
• regulation of news and information output – refocus regulation on the most valuable elements of output on FM and AM stations, with a structure to support this on DAB in the future
• provision of flexibility on where content is made – allow radio stations to use technology to provide the best locally relevant output and shift the emphasis away from managing where that content is made
• consequential changes to licensing – address the technical issues of licensing to support stability for existing stations and the continued growth of digital radio.

CEO Siobhan Kenny, says: “We agree with the conclusions of DCMS’s consultation. Our response incorporates significant input from our members who attended our round table meetings across the UK to thrash out views and issues. The commercial radio industry is committed to working with both Government and Ofcom to devise a new approach to regulation and create a system that works for everyone. DCMS should now outline plans for legislation and request Ofcom to relax its application of the current rules in the interim.”

The full response is available here.