Shadow DCMS Secretary of State underscores support for radio at Tuning In North

Lucy Powell MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has given her first speech on radio and audio at Radiocentre’s Tuning In North on Tuesday 29^th March in Manchester.

In her speech, the Shadow Secretary of State covered a range of issues, from the resilience of the medium to the importance of local news, Ukraine, the future of the BBC, prominence, advertising restrictions, and online safety.

Commenting on the importance of commercial stations to its 37m listeners, Lucy said: “People want to know what is happening in their area, and local news on commercial stations, which mixes the global, national and local in an accessible bitesize way helps to keep us informed as well as entertained.”

“There is a special place for radio in sharing day to day life.”

As listening continues to shift online, Lucy Powell addressed the issue, noting that: “Technological innovation and the shift to smart speakers and connected cars mean we need to protect the reach of British made radio content, and its visibility on online platforms in future.”

She added: “Radio should be placed on a similar footing to television in relation to carriage and prominence rules so that it enjoys the same benefits of British television on major online platforms.”

See more sessions from Tuning In North here.