[cma-l] reflections on the CMA conference

[London Chinese Radio]

Hello all,

It was a good AGM on Saturday, although I tried to find those who wandered
off to the pub afterwards, but couldn't find you. In the end gave up and
went home - had a headache anyway...

Something nagging at the back of my mind forces me to write...

I brought up a question (twice) about why online only radio stations are
being excluded from the BBC radio player, and the response I got has got me
wondering:

Jacqui got some titters from the audience when she said (twice) that most
(or a lot) of online radio is "crap" - a semi-profane word which may seem
amusing, but also reveals an attitude towards online radio operations and
their work. And attempts to paint a huge sector with the same brush. I
wonder how much of these stations she actually listens to?  I don't think
she listens to much. (because she thinks they are 'crap').

So, as a member of the CMA, I was hoping that they would be campaigning on
my and other online radio stations behalf. However, I think I will be
disappointed here, because if that is the attitude towards online radio, I
shouldn't build my hopes up. And that's a pity, because I think online radio
is where the future is. I know a lot of people will disagree here, but I
really think the internet has changed society, and will change radio too.

I would like to challenge the view that internet radio is crap, not just
because of the wealth of excellent radio content out there, but also because
I have a logical argument:
Online only stations are not having to run FM licenses, and have no duty to
ensure every second of airtime is filled, however meaninglessly, so they
have the leisure to take time and properly produce feature programmes,
including narration, interviews, sound bites, etc. This takes a long time,
but it is something that online only stations can do. Also, many online
radio stations provide niche content that serving particular communities.

Now, when I think about 'crap' I can think of output by licensed stations
that is also crap, including even the BBC, who don't want 'crap' on their
player. Stuff like prank calls by Johnathan Ross and Russell Brand to name a
specific example. (it's a long time ago, but I don't listen to BBC radio,
there's too much good alternative content out there). But these stations are
all allowed on the radio player because they are 'licensed' by Ofcom. Ofcom,
oh dear, Ofcom. One quango that really shouldn't have survived the govt
cuts. Don't even get me started on that.... ('not fit for purpose' springs
to mind)...

As I mentioned at the meeting, it seems to me that the only purpose I can
think of for the BBC Radio Player's existence is to exclude a huge swathe of
radio stations in one foul swoop. This can be seen in its claim to put all
of UK radio stations in one place. Handy. Yup, a very handy way for an
organisation that was opposed to the community radio sector from the outset
to do away with a huge number of online stations. So why on earth is the CMA
supporting it?

Anyway, out of that disappointing discussion came a beam of light from the
audience. The CMA radio player. Someone pointed out that the CMA's new
player is out, and could be positioned as a competitor to the BBC Radio
Player. The CMA radio player has several  advantages, no least the fact that
the CMA doesn't have to enter into long negotiations with the BBC to try (or
not, as the case may be) to get community stations (online or licensed). The
CMA radio player could be a lot cheaper (if not free) for stations using
Canstream.
In fact, why on earth is the CMA on one hand developing its own radio
player, and on the other hand encouraging stations to join the BBC Radio
Player which will be in direct competition with it?

I think that we should all back the CMA Radio Player. It's one really good
thing that the CMA have come up with. Disregarding everything I have written
just now, I still believe that the CMA are genuine about furthering the
community sector, and and have our best interests at heart. I don't think
the BBC ever was or ever will be, and I really think the CMA should be more
aware of the thousands of volunteers and thousands of hours of hard work and
top quality radio, from both online and licensed radio that they are
representing. And bearing that in mind the CMA should be far more assertive
instead of worrying about upsetting their contacts.

'nuff said


Peter Vautier
London Chinese Radio


-- 
野火烧不尽，春风吹又生
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