Government publishes consultation to modernise commercial radio regulation

The Department of Culture Media and Sport today (13 February) announced its plans to modernise the regulation of commercial radio in the UK. This follows a report from Ofcom last year, signalling their support for deregulation.

Digital technology has transformed Britain’s media, but commercial radio is currently locked into analogue age regulation, held back from innovating. Regulatory reform is crucial so that radio stations can fully embrace technological change and provide more high quality, locally-relevant content.

The reforms will mean a lighter-touch regime for stations on FM, so they can share programming in different ways and choose the music they want, rather than being constrained by the terms of their licence. Local news and information will continue to be at the heart of local radio programming, as these are the lifeblood of many communities and the main reason why many listeners tune in.

Siobhan Kenny, CEO of Radiocentre says: “Radiocentre welcomes the Government’s announcement wholeheartedly. For some time, we have been asking Government to consider updating some of the existing rules on both music output and how and where content is made. Most of the rules are over 20 years old, so effectively designed for a pre-internet age. With 45% of radio listening now on digital platforms and new competition from streaming services, it is high time legislation caught up. The times have already changed so this is excellent news.”

The Government’s consultation runs until 8 May 2017. Radiocentre, on behalf of DCMS, will shortly be announcing a series of meetings across the UK, providing a forum for discussion of the proposals. More information will be available on Radiocentre.org in due course.