[cma-l] reflections on the CMA conference

[CMA-L]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Richard Laurence <rjhlaurence at mac.com>

Peter,

I couldn't agree more. The BBC is in direct competition with the
community media sector.

My personal interest is local TV. A CMA "iPlayer", marketed properly
and included on TV sets along with iPlayer, YouTube etc, would help
establish local TV and radio on an equal basis.

Just a thought.

Richard Laurence
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On 14 Jun 2011, at 20:19, London Chinese Radio <admin at londonhuayu.co.uk> wrote:

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

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野火烧不尽，春风吹又生