Parliamentarians come together to recognise the burgeoning impact of commercial radio

Event held in parliament sees launch of new report, Commercial Radio: A Force for Good

Radiocentre hosted an event at the House of Commons this week (Wednesday 16th July) to mark the launch of its new report outlining the public value contribution of commercial radio across the UK.

Commercial Radio: A Force for Good showcases how, at a time when misinformation is rife, commercial radio stands out as a uniquely trusted medium – reaching 40 million each week and providing audiences with news, music, entertainment and much-needed companionship.?

What’s more, with more than 300 commercial radio stations across the UK, the industry also supports over 12,000 jobs and raises millions for good causes.

Kicking off, MP Dame Caroline Dinenage spoke about her role as Chair of the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee. Claiming to have ‘the best job in Parliament’, she said her cross-party group ‘touches the lives of everybody, every single day of the week’.

“The people we meet are passionate,” she said. “They want to enrich the lives of others… Why else would they want to get up so early for a breakfast show?”

Stressing that radio can help listeners to escape, to relax, and to express ourselves, she added that it also empowers us, whilst providing company in times of loneliness. “We recognise you and your contribution to our culture,” she told the room.

Up next, Radiocentre’s CEO, Matt Payton, pointed out that commercial radio commands record audiences. In a fragmented media landscape, it is consistently the most trusted source of news, he said, emphasising the importance of working to ensure that radio remains ‘free, ubiquitous and viable’. “Thanks to all those who make it possible, and to the advertisers who fund such a diverse range of content.”.

Media Minister Stephanie Peacock then outlined the Government’s support for the commercial radio sector and its recognition of the unique public value the industry provides. Radio offers ‘something truly special’ she said, fostering connection across communities and societies whilst also acting as a powerful driver of economic growth. 

Pointing to the recent power outage in Spain, by way of example, the Minister stressed that radio is a resilient and important force even when other networks are disrupted. Indeed, even with listening consumption patterns evolving, she noted that commercial radio has been ‘ahead of the game’ when it comes to adapting to changes brought about by new technologies such as smart speakers; stressing that it was important to avoid placing new regulatory burdens on media businesses so that the sector can continue to grow.

A Force for Good supports these sentiments, featuring new industry data as well as audience research. It reveals, for instance, that over two thirds – some 69% – of listeners, trust radio news – compared to just 27% for social media.

Meanwhile, The News Agents host and journalist, Emily Maitlis, also joined the event. Speaking to a terrace full of attendees, including MPs, peers, broadcasters, journalists and executives from across the commercial radio industry, she shared her personal perspective on the unique connection radio provides whilst noting the changing but enduring role of audio – pointing for instance to the success of podcasts in reaching new listeners.

“Radio was always a constant presence in our home,” Maitlis told the audience – describing how she would follow its sound in order to locate her mother when returning from school. “In an age in which we talk about the loneliness epidemic, radio makes a home feel full.”

“The essence of radio and podcasts is that we make people feel we are talking directly to them. That’s the magic of the spoken word…? But it’s also important for accountability. That’s the bread and butter of what we do: we hold power to account.”

Admitting that she never thought The News Agents would reach 7 million listeners a month nor that it would be fighting a two-year legal battle with the MoD over a leaked document, she added: “Yet today you’ll find this battle on every front page – telling the story of a massive data breach and cover up.”

The audience left the event with several powerful takeaways, as well as copies of the report, showcasing how commercial radio’s public value role for audiences is greater than ever before.

Read Commercial Radio: A Force for Good here. A summary report is also available here.