MPs meet to discuss impact of commercial radio during pandemic

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Commercial Radio has met today (Thursday 16^th July) to discuss the on-going response to the Covid-19 pandemic from broadcasters and the impact that this has had with their 36 million listeners.

The virtual meeting, led by the APPG Chair by Andy Carter MP, was attended by a cross-party group of parliamentarians. The group reviewed a new report Commercial Radio: A force for good which explores the public value delivered by the sector since the outbreak of the pandemic. On average, news bulletins have increased both in frequency (25% more) and duration (28% longer) across the industry.

In addition to discussing the impact of Covid-19 on stations, other issues raised include recent operational changes made by Bauer, as well as industry and APPG priorities over the coming months.

Siobhan Kenny, Radiocentre CEO, said:

“The commercial radio APPG has been very supportive of our sector during this exceptionally difficult period. It’s important to work with parliamentarians to highlight the significant public value that radio provides every day up and down the country to millions of listeners.”

Follow the APPG on Twitter here.