[CMA R] Score a quick win for Community Radio today!

[Alan Fransman]

++Apologies for Cross posting++

Dear Community Radio supporter

I write to encourage you to respond to an Ofcom consultation called 
'Modifications to Spectrum Pricing.'

The CMA first drew attention to this consultation on 30 August.  The 
deadline for responses is 5pm today.  Further information is available 
on this link:
http://www.commedia.org.uk/policy-and-campaigns/public-consultations/modifications-to-spectrum-pricing/

This consultation offers a unique opportunity to secure a significantly 
reduced Wireless Telegraphy (WT) Act licence fee for Community Radio 
stations.  The current WT Act licence fees for Community radio is based 
on the same charging principles used for national and regional radio 
broadcasting licences.

In section six of its consultation document, Ofcom proposes to simplify 
the fee and revise the charge so that there will be a flat rate of £250 
per annum for each WT Act licence issued to Community Radio broadcasters.

The CMA agrees with this proposal in its response which follows this 
message.

This could be a 'quick win' for Community Radio.

Please take a few minutes to complete the online response form and 
support Ofcom's proposal in Question Six.  You could use the CMA's 
response (below) as a guide.

Ofcom's online response form is available on this link:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/pricing06/howtorespond/form

We look forward to seeing your response on the Ofcom website.

With best wishes,



Alan Fransman
Deputy Director

__________________________


OFCOM: MODIFICATIONS TO SPECTRUM PRICING
Response of the Community Media Association: September 2006

The Community Media Association (CMA) is the UK representative and 
membership body for the community media sector. Its mission is to enable 
people to develop community-based radio, television and internet for 
empowerment, cultural expression, information and entertainment. 
Membership currently exceeds 600, bringing together established 
organisations, aspirant groups and individuals. The CMA consults with 
members and provides an informed and representative voice at national 
level for the sector in discussions with government, regulatory bodies 
and external stakeholders. It works with other Voluntary and Community 
Sector organisations, provides a range of advice and practical support 
to its members and promotes the sector in the media and to public bodies.

Current Spectrum Pricing arrangements have a significant impact on the 
budgets of not-for-profit Community Radio stations and the CMA welcomes 
the opportunity to address the issue in Question 6 of this consultation.

Question 6: Do you agree with these proposals for simplifying the fee 
for community radio?

The CMA agrees with Ofcom’s proposal to simplify the fee for Community 
Radio.  We also welcome the proposal to revise the charge so that there 
will be a flat fee of £250 per annum for each WT Act licence issued to 
Community Radio broadcasters.


-- 
Alan Fransman
Community Media Association
15 Paternoster Row
Sheffield
S1 2BX

+44 114 279 5219

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