[cma-l] RadioCentre unimpressed with community radio changes

[Martin Steers]

Via Radio Today:
http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/01/radiocentre-unimpressed-with-community-radio-changes/

RadioCentre, the industry body for commercial radio, says changes to the
way community radio stations can fund themselves is a concern for
commercial stations.

The Government today said
<http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/01/community-radio-order-updated/> the
not-for-profit stations can now make the majority of its income from
advertising, rather than the previous 50% rule.

Siobhan Kenny, Chief Executive of RadioCentre said: “This is a
disappointing outcome and will be a real cause for concern for small
commercial radio stations where margins are already squeezed.

“The changes proposed by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
risk blurring the lines between community and commercial stations and puts
them in direct competition for limited local advertising, alongside local
press, local television and online.

“Community radio can perform a valuable complementary role to commercial
radio and the BBC, but it must offer something significantly different to
the communities it serves. Any changes must be accompanied by a renewed
emphasis on enforcement and compliance with the key commitments of these
stations.”

The Government’s announcement follows a consultation carried out by the
DCMS launched in February 2013.

More details on today’s changes can be found here
<http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/01/community-radio-order-updated/>.
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