[cma-l] Consultation

Fri Feb 14 14:42:43 GMT 2014

I'm sure Ofcom would be delighted to "get out of the game of regulating stations' internal operations".
But, as was recently pointed out in the DAB presentation, Ofcom is not empowered to change legislation - that's our job.

It's just doing as instructed by H M Government.

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> From: alan.coote at 5digital.co.uk
> To: cma-l at commedia.org.uk
> Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2014 14:24:02 +0000
> Subject: Re: [cma-l] OFCOM Consultation
> 
> Surely the solution is that those who want to operate as an effectively
> small scale commercial stations should be allowed. The only reason there is
> a Community Radio sector at all is because Ofcom were between a rock and a
> hard place of the public interest on one side and commercial radio on the
> other. 
> 
> As I have said here and elsewhere it’s a bugger muddle! I have long
> advocated (since the last first consultation on Access Radio) that we have
> radio wrong in this country and the arbitrary limits should be removed. In
> my view it's quite simple; there should be National, Regional and Local
> radio and that's it. 
> 
> CR is hampered by ownership rules, an enforce business model, coverage and
> many other ridiculous criteria. I accept that there needs to be some
> controls on the finite spectrum but these should be managed through simple
> criterion based on plurality and ownership. 
> 
> Ofcom should get out of the game of regulating stations internal
> operation's. 
> 
> Kind Regards
> Alan
> 
> Alan Coote
> Managing Director
> 5 Digital Limited
> 
> Hear Alan Every Week on Let’s Talk Business The UK’s Premier Radio Programme
> For Current and Future Entrepreneurs - Now Broadcast To 4 Million People  
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk
> [mailto:cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk] On Behalf Of Clive Glover
> Sent: 14 February 2014 12:20
> To: CMA Discussion List List
> Subject: [cma-l] OFCOM Consultation
> 
> 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
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