Ofcom sets out new local radio news requirements
Ofcom has announced how it will introduce new rules to ensure the regular broadcasting of local news and information on local analogue commercial radio stations across the UK.
The changes follow the introduction of the Media Act 2024, which safeguards the provision of local news and information. The Act aims to help communities remain informed and connected, while supporting local democracy by ensuring councils and public institutions are properly scrutinised.
Under the new rules, all local analogue commercial radio stations — except those with a very low turnover, must broadcast local news at least hourly during daytime on weekdays and at peak times on weekends. Stations will also be required to include some locally gathered news, meaning journalists must be physically present in the relevant area. However, Ofcom will not prescribe how much of this content must be locally gathered or how frequently it must air.
Smaller stations with very low turnover will not be required to broadcast weekend local news, nor will they need to include locally gathered reports.
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Revised licence conditions will also require all stations to provide local information regularly between 6.00am and 7.00pm on weekdays, and between 7.00am and 12.00pm at weekends.
Stations that have not previously been required to provide local news will have two years to comply with the new requirements. All other licensees will have one year. Ofcom will implement the changes by varying all local commercial radio licences and will begin writing to licensees from spring 2026, giving them the opportunity to make representations.
