[cma-l] Future of FM radio for community and other small radio stations

[Jaqui Devereux]

Dear all

We note that UTV has come out publicly with its lobbying stance on the 
future for small radio stations in the UK.

In response, the CMA is clear that there are NO plans by any party to 
consider switching off FM, nor is this Ofcom policy.

The CMA does not consider, and has said this publicly and often, that 
DAB is the right standard for digital broadcasting in the UK, 
particularly for smaller broadcasting services.  However, the migration 
of large national stations at some (so far notional) date in the future 
would free up FM spectrum for the community broadcasting sector, and 
others.  We are explicitly talking to government about two essential 
requirements (among other things) to ensure a fair future for the 
community radio sector:

1	Multi chip radios must be made available as a matter of urgency, 
including FM, so that consumers in the future can pick up whatever 
stations they wish to at the turn of the dial, regardless of the 
transmission system used by the broadcaster

2	There must be work on a "roadmap" for community radio, both for those 
which would like to move to digital and for those wanting to stay on 
analogue frequencies.

Best wishes

Jaqui


-- 
Jaqui Devereux

Director
Community Media Association

15 Paternoster Row
Sheffield
S1 2BX

+44 114 279 5219

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