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Radiocentre welcomes radio deregulation plans

Radio Centre
Radio Centre

Commercial radio body, Radio Centre has welcomed Ofcom’s report on further deregulating radio in the UK.

The report from Ofcom CEO Sharon White, accompanied by research from Kantar Media on listener perceptions of local commercial radio content, was submitted to Ed Vaizey, Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The Minister originally wrote to Ofcom in September 2015, asking the regulator to consider options to reform the current regulatory requirements against the background of growth in choice and listening to digital platforms. These digital services are not subject to the same range of regulatory requirements as traditional radio services on FM or AM.

Ofcom was asked to examine the scope for deregulation wherever possible and to consider how to create a level playing field for analogue and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radio services. The key areas (of difference) covered by the review include: music formats; local news and content; and locally-made material.

Ofcom also found that where local news programmes are made is of less concern to listeners than their quality and local relevance.

Siobhan Kenny, CEO of Radiocentre says, ���We welcome Ofcom�۪s report to DCMS and look forward to the next phase of consultation when the Government brings forward detailed proposals. This initial phase of thinking lays the ground work for developing a sensible regulatory framework allowing commercial radio to continue to compete and thrive in future.�۝

Radiocentre