[cma-l] 50% Rules - CMA position

[idea]

Hi Jaqui

Have recently been appointed as CEO (or project manager etc) at WFM FM. 
We're
not currently troubled by this ratio, but we might be in the near future.

I'm not surprised at the 90% indifference (or support) for the 50:50 
rule. I guess this
has been a far-fetched hypothetical for many stations and so they're 
content with the
existing rule. Why wouldn't they be?

Q1. Should 90% "contents", for whom this is a hypothetical, stymie the 
10% for whom
it is (so far) of more practical importance. Should stations for whom 
this is not an
issue have a veto and prevent progress for those in a different place?;

It may be that this latter group grows under the new government in two 
different
ways (i) stations successfully replace grants with commercial earnings 
or (ii) stations
don't succeed in that, shed staff and retreat into a more volunteer-led 
model cf pirates
where on air ads could bulk up vs the whole revenue.

Q2. If there is even a possibility of these changes or simply on a 
philosophical basis
couldn't CMA make the case for other metrics on "social gain" than this
(unsatisfactory) financial analogue?

Best wishes

Chris Paul

WFM Communtiy Media Limited


jaqui devereux wrote:

> Dear all
>
> We at the CMA note the concerns around the 50% rules re on air 
> advertising and sponsorship.  However, whenever we consult the sector 
> on what changes if any you would like to see in these and other 
> regulations for community radio, more than 90% of respondents reply 
> that they do not want that particular rule changing.  Therefore it 
> would seem there is a clear steer for the CMA position on the 50% 
> advertising and sponsorship rules, that that rule should remain in place.
>
> Re greater transmission power and coverage, some stations have 
> negotiated with Ofcom to increase these, but at the moment Ofcom will 
> only consider this issue on a case by case basis.  We will continue 
> dialogue with them on this issue, on behalf of individual stations and 
> the sector as a whole.
>
> We have had discussions with Ofcom looking at simplifying evidencing 
> of social gain using output rather than input models, again we will 
> continue this discussion with them.  However, changing the regulations 
> on this would require primary legislation to amend the Communications 
> Act 2003, so it is not in Ofcom's power to change the rules, it is a 
> matter for government.  We will bring this point to the attention of 
> DCMS should the majority of the sector think it appropriate.  Please 
> let us know your thoughts on the matter.
>
> Hope that helps,
>
> Best wishes
>
> Jaqui
>
> -- 
> Jaqui Devereux
> Director, Community Media Association
>
>
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