Commercial radio stations call on UK government for more support

As the impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues, Radiocentre has written to the Government requesting additional support measures as new tiered restrictions introduced across the country impact local economies and businesses.

Siobhan Kenny, Radiocentre CEO, has written to the John Whittingdale MP, Minister for Media at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, to highlight the ongoing issues facing the sector and request an urgent meeting to discuss how the Government can help. Commercial radio continues to provide an essential role in local communities, delivering trusted news bulletins and information at this important time.

In the letter to the Minister, Siobhan Kenny wrote, “Smaller operators, for example, whose revenues derive significantly (up to 90%) from local advertisers have been particularly hard hit. This means that there is an immediate crisis that still needs to be addressed, as high fixed costs and dramatic falls in revenue still beset stations across the country. Alongside this is the longer-term support for economic recovery, as well as other measures to ensure that broadcasters can operate in the most effective and efficient way.”

Commenting, Radiocentre CEO Siobhan Kenny said, “Commercial radio broadcasters continue to provide an essential public service role to listeners through news bulletins and information, which is even more important as regional restrictions are introduced. It’s imperative that the Government understands that while economic recovery is important, many broadcasters are still under significant pressure right now. This pressure will only increase as tiered restrictions are introduced as these inevitably hit local revenues that disproportionally impact smaller stations.”