Ofcom urged to enhance public value of new BBC radio stations

Radiocentre is calling on Ofcom to use its powers to require the BBC to provide listeners with regular news bulletins on its proposed new national radio stations. The proposal is part of a submission to Ofcom on behalf of the commercial radio industry, which highlights the need to increase the public value and distinctiveness of the new BBC services, should they go ahead.

Last year the BBC announced plans to launch four new national DAB+ stations, Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems, Radio 3 Unwind and a Radio 2 extension. Ofcom now looks set to block the largest proposal for a Radio 2 extension, which focuses on music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, given its potential impact on competition. However, the three other proposed stations look set to be given the green light to launch on DAB+ across the UK following an Ofcom assessment, which is set to conclude this summer.

The lack of news on the new stations caught the attention of concerned MPs recently (6th May) at a Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee session with Ofcom CEO Dame Melanie Dawes and Chair Lord Grade. Ofcom was questioned over the proposed lack of news provision on the BBC’s new stations and whether they would step in.

Last week (14th May) Radiocentre submitted an industry response to Ofcom’s consultation on the BBC’s proposed new national DAB+ radio stations. In the submission Radiocentre welcomed Ofcom’s proposal to block the launch of a new Radio 2 spin-off station and called for new Operating Licence conditions to be introduced on Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind in order to enhance the public value of the licence fee funded stations, including specific obligations to provide news.

Radiocentre CEO Matt Payton said:

“Should Ofcom give the green light for the BBC to launch Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind as national stations, it is entirely reasonable to expect them to provide guaranteed news bulletins and enhanced public value. Listeners trust radio news updates and it would appear to be a serious omission for Ofcom to allow the BBC to launch new radio stations that do not deliver on this crucial element of public service broadcasting.”