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<P>It's a good point Martin - but it all comes down to the Ofcom unofficial "mission statement" - "We're a Regulator - not a Provider"<BR>Ofcom actually can have no interest in how well or otherwise a licensed broadcaster runs its business - only whether it adheres to conventional business practices and the provisions of the Acts and Regulations.<BR>
Hence if the Business Plan and all the other details in an Application appear to be in order, Ofcom has no further control nor influence over the Licensee unless it is made aware of a transgression.<BR>
It would seem to be obvious that Ofcom and indeed HMG as a whole should be seen to be supportive of the Sector, but too often hands appear to be tied and eyes and ears closed.<BR>
We just have to shout louder and longer.<BR>
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<P style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt" class=ecxMsoNormal><B><SPAN style="COLOR: rgb(38,38,38)">Ian Hickling<BR></SPAN></B><B><SPAN>Partner<BR>transplan UK<BR></SPAN></B></P><BR>
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From: martin@martinsteers.co.uk<BR>Date: Thu, 4 Aug 2011 11:17:09 +0100<BR>Subject: Re: [cma-l] Ofcom breaches - lessons for all stations<BR>To: office@ccr-fm.co.uk<BR>CC: ian@transplan.uk.com; cma-l@commedia.org.uk<BR><BR>Now here is an interesting question I have for the list.
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<DIV>I think at present Ofcom only has the following options open to them in terms of sanctions for community radio stations.</DIV>
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<DIV>Termination of license</DIV>
<DIV>Suspension of license</DIV>
<DIV>shortening of license</DIV>
<DIV>fine</DIV>
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<DIV>Now how do any of these benefit the community station or the community they serve? (As I assume that if a license was terminated they wouldnt allow a new application unless during a formal applications period)</DIV>
<DIV>What else could or should Ofcom be allowed to do?</DIV>
<DIV>Do you not find it weird that for example the charities commission can actually go in and take over a failing charity (and / or sack trustees) yet Ofcom dont have any powers to temporary take over a failing station or force directors to resign.</DIV>
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<DIV>Thoughts?</DIV>
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<DIV>M</DIV>
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<DIV class=ecxgmail_quote>On Wed, Aug 3, 2011 at 7:04 PM, Office - ccr-fm <SPAN dir=ltr><<A href="mailto:office@ccr-fm.co.uk">office@ccr-fm.co.uk</A>></SPAN> wrote:<BR>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT color=navy size=2 face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: navy; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Good point Ian and worth noting.<U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT color=navy size=2 face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: navy; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">I do inform them of all our mistakes by e-mail. That’s about 11 e-mails a day lol </SPAN></FONT><FONT color=navy size=2 face=Wingdings><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings; COLOR: navy; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">J</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=navy size=2 face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: navy; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT color=navy size=2 face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: navy; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Nick<U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><B><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold" lang=EN-US>From:</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" lang=EN-US> <A href="mailto:cma-l-bounces@mailman.commedia.org.uk">cma-l-bounces@mailman.commedia.org.uk</A> [mailto:<A href="mailto:cma-l-bounces@mailman.commedia.org.uk">cma-l-bounces@mailman.commedia.org.uk</A>] <B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">On Behalf Of </SPAN></B>Ian Hickling<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sent:</SPAN></B> 03 August 2011 17:58<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">To:</SPAN></B> <A href="mailto:martin@martinsteers.co.uk">martin@martinsteers.co.uk</A>; cma-l<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Subject:</SPAN></B> [cma-l] Ofcom breaches - lessons for all stations</SPAN></FONT><SPAN lang=EN-US><U></U><U></U></SPAN></P></DIV>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">I know the situation with that station and access to the top of that tower block isn't easy - even though the pirates don't seem to have the same degree of difficulty!<BR>The important ppoint here is that the Licensee has to put it to the Site Owner - in this case a division of the Local Authority - is that Ofcom requires statutory access to the transmission equipment of all licensed broadcasters.<BR>Th other relevant point - as we found out to our cost at XS Wales - is that you must inform Ofcom as soon as anything goes amiss.<BR>Do that and you are in fact well protected because any complainant is then told that Ofcom is aware of the situation and it is in hand.<BR>That done, Ofcom is seen to work on your protection rather than the other way round.<U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P>
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<P style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt" class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">From: <A href="mailto:martin@martinsteers.co.uk">martin@martinsteers.co.uk</A><BR>Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2011 16:58:08 +0100<BR>To: <A href="mailto:cma-l@commedia.org.uk">cma-l@commedia.org.uk</A><BR>Subject: Re: [cma-l] Ofcom breaches - lessons for all stations<U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Hiya all,<U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Its certainly an interesting thing, and correct me if I am wrong but I think this is the first time a community station has been sanctioned.<U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT color=#333333 size=2 face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: #333333; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Full details are here: <A href="http://goo.gl/NdBqw" target=_blank><FONT color=#1155cc><SPAN style="COLOR: #1155cc">http://goo.gl/NdBqw</SPAN></FONT></A><U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT color=#333333 size=2 face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: #333333; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Its for them failing to broadcast in december last year, and their level of cooperation with ofcom over the issue.<U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT color=#333333 size=2 face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: #333333; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">No doubt this will create alot of discussion on and off this list which is very healthy for the sector.<U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT color=#333333 size=2 face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: #333333; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The biggest issue seemed to be the access to their transmission setup, there is a lesson there for all stations. <U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT color=#333333 size=2 face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: #333333; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You need to check how quickly can you get access to your transmission equipment if there was a problem? and do you have backup plans in case of failure of transmission kit or studio (or the link between). <U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT color=#333333 size=2 face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: #333333; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">But also as ever, if your having problems that are going to effect your KC then make sure Ofcom are the first to know and not the last.. <U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT color=#333333 size=2 face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: #333333; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Martin<U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV>
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<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">On Wed, Aug 3, 2011 at 4:11 PM, Jaqui Devereux <<A href="mailto:jaqui.devereux@commedia.org.uk">jaqui.devereux@commedia.org.uk</A>> wrote:<U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt" class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Dear all<BR><BR>You may be aware of the latest Ofcom sanctions levied against a<BR>community radio station for an apparent failure to broadcast. in the<BR>event it would appear that access to the transmission system failed<BR>and that led to the breach.<BR><BR>Once again we would remind everyone to assume that all the worst<BR>things that could happen will happen and have your backup plans in<BR>place!<BR><BR>Also, as your representative body we are always happy to try to help<BR>if you have a problem, please do contact us,<BR><BR>Best wishes<BR><BR>Jaqui<BR><BR>--<BR>Jaqui Devereux<BR>Director, Community Media Association<BR>Community Media Association<BR><A href="http://www.commedia.org.uk/" target=_blank>http://www.commedia.org.uk</A><BR><BR>t: 0114 279 5219<BR><BR>Canstream Internet Radio & Video<BR><A href="http://www.canstream.co.uk/" target=_blank>http://www.canstream.co.uk/</A><BR><BR><A href="http://twitter.com/community_media" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/community_media</A><BR><A href="https://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation" target=_blank>https://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation</A><BR>_______________________________________________<BR><BR>Reply - <A href="mailto:cma-l@commedia.org.uk">cma-l@commedia.org.uk</A><BR><BR>The cma-l mailing list is a members' service provided by the Community Media Association - <A href="http://www.commedia.org.uk/" target=_blank>http://www.commedia.org.uk</A><BR>Twitter: <A href="http://twitter.com/community_media" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/community_media</A><BR><A href="http://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation</A><BR>Canstream Internet Radio & Video: <A href="http://www.canstream.co.uk/" target=_blank>http://www.canstream.co.uk/</A><BR>_______________________________________________<BR><BR>Mailing list guidelines: <A href="http://www.commedia.org.uk/about/cma-email-lists/email-list-guidelines/" target=_blank>http://www.commedia.org.uk/about/cma-email-lists/email-list-guidelines/</A><BR>_______________________________________________<BR><BR>To unsubscribe or manage your CMA-L mailing list subscription please visit:<BR><A href="http://mailman.commedia.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/cma-l" target=_blank>http://mailman.commedia.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/cma-l</A><U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV>
<P class=ecxMsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><BR><BR>_______________________________________________ Reply - <A href="mailto:cma-l@commedia.org.uk">cma-l@commedia.org.uk</A> The cma-l mailing list is a members' service provided by the Community Media Association - <A href="http://www.commedia.org.uk/" target=_blank>http://www.commedia.org.uk</A> Twitter: <A href="http://twitter.com/community_media" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/community_media</A> <A href="http://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation</A> Canstream Internet Radio & Video: <A href="http://www.canstream.co.uk/" target=_blank>http://www.canstream.co.uk/</A> _______________________________________________ Mailing list guidelines: <A href="http://www.commedia.org.uk/about/cma-email-lists/email-list-guidelines/" target=_blank>http://www.commedia.org.uk/about/cma-email-lists/email-list-guidelines/</A> _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe or manage your CMA-L mailing list subscription please visit: <A href="http://mailman.commedia.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/cma-l" target=_blank>http://mailman.commedia.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/cma-l</A><U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV><BR>_______________________________________________<BR><BR>Reply - <A href="mailto:cma-l@commedia.org.uk">cma-l@commedia.org.uk</A><BR><BR>The cma-l mailing list is a members' service provided by the Community Media Association - <A href="http://www.commedia.org.uk/" target=_blank>http://www.commedia.org.uk</A><BR>Twitter: <A href="http://twitter.com/community_media" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/community_media</A><BR><A href="http://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation</A><BR>Canstream Internet Radio & Video: <A href="http://www.canstream.co.uk/" target=_blank>http://www.canstream.co.uk/</A><BR>_______________________________________________<BR><BR>Mailing list guidelines: <A href="http://www.commedia.org.uk/about/cma-email-lists/email-list-guidelines/" target=_blank>http://www.commedia.org.uk/about/cma-email-lists/email-list-guidelines/</A><BR>_______________________________________________<BR><BR>To unsubscribe or manage your CMA-L mailing list subscription please visit:<BR><A href="http://mailman.commedia.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/cma-l" target=_blank>http://mailman.commedia.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/cma-l</A><BR></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV><BR></DIV></DIV> </div></body>
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