[cma-l] Ujima Radio off air over power dispute

[Ian Hickling]

This is all too common a situation.

Could we please have new guidance from the CMA to all CR stations as to how to achieve:

 

The right kind of Tenancy Agreement with a site Owner for Studio and Transmitter facilities.

Adequate Insurance by means of a CMA list of preferred Insurers for Community Radio.

Stipulation of 24/7/365 access to a transmission system as is required by Ofcom under the WTA.

Sensible UPS equipment that won't die at just the moment when it's needed - not that it would solve Ujima's particular problem.

Better understanding by Ofcom of how difficult it can be for a small not-for-profit organisation to stand its ground against a forceful Landlord - with tangile back-up available when needed.

 

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> From: julian at 10radio.org
> Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 10:27:34 +0000
> To: cma-l at commedia.org.uk
> Subject: [cma-l] Bristol's Ujima Radio off-air over power dispute
> 
> A lesson, maybe, for all sub-tenants…
> 
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-26560232
> 
> Live broadcasts from a community radio station in Bristol have stopped after power to its studios was cut off.
> 
> Ujima Radio said the "vital community service" was forced off-air on Tuesday when the energy supplies were cut owing to landlords not paying the bills.
> 
> Radio station chair Roger Griffith said it was "out of their control".
> 
> Leaseholders Ceed claimed Ujima's rent did not cover the amount of electricity the station used and hoped it would be restored by Monday.
> 
> Ujima Radio is based in a council-owned building in Wilder Street, which is let out to Ceed.
> 
> Bristol mayor George Ferguson said he was "asking for an urgent report" into the situation at the station.
> 
> The power was switched off on Tuesday at 13:00 GMT after supplier Utility Warehouse issued a court order for non-payment of bills.
> 
> Mr Griffith said Ujima Radio was fully up to date with all rent and rate payments and was planning a peaceful demonstration on Friday.
> 
> Joseph Gomwalk, of Ceed, said: "We are in contact with Utility Warehouse to sort out payment and we hope the power will be back on by Monday."
> 
> Utility Warehouse said: "Unfortunately, the landlord has not paid for any of the electricity used in his entire building for a considerable time.
> 
> "We sympathise wholeheartedly with Ujima Radio and their listeners, but their dispute is with the landlord, not ourselves."
> 
> Ujima Radio is licensed by Ofcom and is run by more than 130 volunteers. It broadcasts music and talk shows and has between 19,000 and 24,000 listeners.
> 
> An Ofcom spokeswoman said Ujima Radio has alerted it of the situation.
> 
> "We are considering the appropriate next steps," she added.
> 
> 
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