[cma-l] OFCOM Consultation

[Clive Glover]

I agree with those who say we should demand the removal of the ban on advertising for those CR stations who have been restricted in this way. How many commercial stations have closed down because of the competition from a nearby CR station? Show us the evidence OFCOM! If there is none then the restriction should be dropped.

However I am less certain about removing the 50% rule for everyone else. It is unnecessary in terms of protecting local commercial stations - obviously. But it does ensure that CR stations do need to be creative and active in their community in seeking a variety of sources of income rather than just advertising and commercial sponsorship. Not that the latter is an easy option.

As has been said by others, there are many such other sources including grants, fund-raising (and profile raising) events and donations, membership etc. And any commercial income from things other than on-air ads or sponsorship do not count towards the 50% - so ads on websites or sponsorship of new studio equipment or an OB van or lots of other things do not count.

Even when you do count you can offset volunteer time against the actual on air commercial revenue and, as all CR stations rely on lots of volunteers giving their time, this makes a significant difference.

And this is before any ideas for setting up separate commercial companies and charities and allocating income between them or similar schemes.

So, my conclusion is that the existence of the 50% rule is unlikely to be a real practical problem for the vast majority of CR stations although I recognise there are a few for whom it may be.

Finally, I find it really odd that a question on whether licenses should be extended for a further 5 years is just dropped into the Consultation along with all the rest of the questions about funding. Of course all CR licenses should be renewed not just once but every five years as long as the station is meeting its Key Commitments as demonstrated in its Annual Reports to OFCOM!

regards,

Clive Glover

Radio Verulam, St Albans