Raaj FM found in breach of Ofcom rules
Community radio station, Raaj FM based in Sandwell has been found in breach of Ofcom rules and regulations.
Ofcom received a complaint which suggested that Raaj FM was not complying with its Key Commitments relating to its character of service, language requirements and its accountability objectives.
In its response, Ofcom said that it found that the Licensee did not broadcast any content relating to sports, youth or the disabled and minority activities and interests of the community.
Radio broadcasting and training are elements of Raaj FM’s character of service. Ofcom noted that that the Licensee said it is oversubscribed for programming volunteers and there is a waiting list. As the Licensee did not explain whether any recent, current or upcoming training was being delivered, or was due to be delivered, to any of its broadcast operations or organisation management volunteers, Ofcom considers that the Licensee is not meeting this requirement.
Ofcom acknowledged the Licensee’s response that it delivers youth programming overnight through its music and some discussions about upcoming talent and music targeted towards the youth. However, Ofcom considered that the content broadcast was aimed at its general audience and not targeted specifically towards its younger audience members. For example, the music broadcast overnight was Bollywood and Bhangra music; this is not music which is only popular with younger audiences and was not packaged in a way that specifically aimed the programming at a youth audience.
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Ofcom found for the week monitored the Licensee did not broadcast content relating to sports, youth and the disabled and minority activities and interests of the community.
The Licensee provided insufficient evidence to Ofcom about how it is accountable to the community it is intended to serve. Ofcom therefore is not satisfied that Raaj FM is meeting its accountability objectives as stated in its Key Commitments.
It was found in breach of Licence Conditions 2(1) and (4).
