Radio Mast FM “in serious breach” with Ofcom

A temporary, restricted service licence, which broadcast during July and August this year, in Bristol, has come under scrutiny by Ofcom.

A listener complained that a presenter’s reading of advertisers�۪ messages was in breach of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

On request of Ofcom, Mast FM was unable to obtain the recordings from their logging facility. It said its studio output was usually saved automatically, but it was believed that some hours worth of output, including the dates requested, had been deleted due to power interruptions caused by neighbouring building works.

It is a part of Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code that radio transmission is recorded and retained for 42 days. The broadcaster must also forward any recordings requested by Ofcom.

Ofcom said that the failure of Mast FM to meet these requirements is a serious and significant breach of the conditions of its licence. This breach will be held on record.