Commercial radio issues raised in Parliament

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Commercial Radio met on Tuesday 9^th February to discuss issues currently facing the industry.

The meeting was a helpful opportunity for parliamentarians to hear about some of the public value delivered by stations, including the continued news provision throughout the pandemic. Westminster correspondents and senior journalists from LBC and Bauer outlined how they have responded to the pandemic by investing more in journalism.

Proposals for an Advertising Tax Credit were also raised. A coalition of media bodies recently wrote to the Chancellor ahead of the March Budget in order to ask that the Government consider supporting a fiscal stimulus programme for the sector.  

Andy Carter MP, Chair of the APPG, has raised the Advertising Tax Credit initiative directly with the Minister for Media & Data, John Whittingdale MP, and is set to highlight the issue with the Chancellor next week. Other MPs have also asked Ministers questions on supporting an Advertising Tax Credit in Parliament. Find out more about the Advertising Tax Credit by contacting Michael Ireland, Head of Public Affairs at michael.ireland@radiocentre.org.

Follow the APPG on Twitter here.