[cma-l] Ofcom breaches - lessons for all stations

Thu Aug 4 11:17:09 BST 2011

Now here is an interesting question I have for the list.

I think at present Ofcom only has the following options open to them in
terms of sanctions for community radio stations.

Termination of license
Suspension of license
shortening of license
fine

Now how do any of these benefit the community station or the community they
serve? (As I assume that if a license was terminated they wouldnt allow a
new application unless during a formal applications period)
What else could or should Ofcom be allowed to do?
Do you not find it weird that for example the charities commission can
actually go in and take over a failing charity (and / or sack trustees) yet
Ofcom dont have any powers to temporary take over a failing station or force
directors to resign.

Thoughts?

M

On Wed, Aug 3, 2011 at 7:04 PM, Office - ccr-fm <office at ccr-fm.co.uk> wrote:

> ** **
>
> Good point Ian and worth noting.****
>
> ** **
>
> I do inform them of all our mistakes by e-mail. That’s about 11 e-mails a
> day    lol  J****
>
> ** **
>
> Nick****
>
> ** **
>  ------------------------------
>
> *From:* cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk [mailto:
> cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk] *On Behalf Of *Ian Hickling
> *Sent:* 03 August 2011 17:58
> *To:* martin at martinsteers.co.uk; cma-l
> *Subject:* [cma-l] Ofcom breaches - lessons for all stations****
>
> ** **
>
>   ****
>
> I know the situation with that station and access to the top of that tower
> block isn't easy - even though the pirates don't seem to have the same
> degree of difficulty!
> The important ppoint here is that the Licensee has to put it to the Site
> Owner - in this case a division of the Local Authority -  is that Ofcom
> requires statutory access to the transmission equipment of all licensed
> broadcasters.
> Th other relevant point - as we found out to our cost at XS Wales - is that
> you must inform Ofcom as soon as anything goes amiss.
> Do that and you are in fact well protected because any complainant is then
> told that Ofcom is aware of the situation and it is in hand.
> That done, Ofcom is seen to work on your protection rather than the other
> way round.****
>
> ------------------------------------****
>
> *Ian Hickling
> **Partner
> transplan UK*****
>
>
>   ****
>  ------------------------------
>
> From: martin at martinsteers.co.uk
> Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2011 16:58:08 +0100
> To: cma-l at commedia.org.uk
> Subject: Re: [cma-l] Ofcom breaches - lessons for all stations****
>
> Hiya all,****
>
> ** **
>
> Its certainly an interesting thing, and correct me if I am wrong but I
> think this is the first time a community station has been sanctioned.****
>
> ** **
>
> Full details are here: http://goo.gl/NdBqw****
>
> ** **
>
> Its for them failing to broadcast in december last year, and their level
> of cooperation with ofcom over the issue.****
>
> ** **
>
> No doubt this will create alot of discussion on and off this list which is
> very healthy for the sector.****
>
> ** **
>
> The biggest issue seemed to be the access to their transmission setup,
> there is a lesson there for all stations. ****
>
> You need to check how quickly can you get access to your transmission
> equipment if there was a problem? and do you have backup plans in case of
> failure of transmission kit or studio (or the link between). ****
>
> ** **
>
> But also as ever, if your having problems that are going to effect your KC
> then make sure Ofcom are the first to know and not the last.. ****
>
> ** **
>
> ** **
>
> Martin****
>
> ** **
>
> ** **
>
> On Wed, Aug 3, 2011 at 4:11 PM, Jaqui Devereux <
> jaqui.devereux at commedia.org.uk> wrote:****
>
> Dear all
>
> You may be aware of the latest Ofcom sanctions levied against a
> community radio station for an apparent failure to broadcast.  in the
> event it would appear that access to the transmission system failed
> and that led to the breach.
>
> Once again we would remind everyone to assume that all the worst
> things that could happen will happen and have your backup plans in
> place!
>
> Also, as your representative body we are always happy to try to help
> if you have a problem, please do contact us,
>
> Best wishes
>
> Jaqui
>
> --
> Jaqui Devereux
> Director, Community Media Association
> Community Media Association
> http://www.commedia.org.uk
>
> t: 0114 279 5219
>
> Canstream Internet Radio & Video
> http://www.canstream.co.uk/
>
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> https://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation
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