[comradio-l] Ofcom publishes guidelines for local content on commercial radio

[CMA-L]

Ofcom has published guidelines for the provision of local content on 
analogue (FM and AM) commercial radio. Ofcom's approach simplifies 
regulation for the commercial radio sector while protecting local 
content for listeners.

Ofcom's statement follows a Consultation on revised local content 
obligations and the regulation of stereo and mono broadcasting on 
Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB).

Ofcom has concluded that it is right to maintain a minimum amount of 
obligations for local content on radio, shown by research to be 
important to listeners. Ofcom's statement revises guidance on the local 
content obligations for commercial analogue radio licensees, in line 
with the proposals set out in Ofcom's Consultation document published in 
November 2007.

The new guidance states that:

* FM local radio stations should broadcast at least ten hours of 
locally-made programmes each weekday during daytime (including 
breakfast) and at least four hours at weekends; and
* AM stations should provide at least four hours of locally-made 
programming every day of the week. Stations based in the nations 
(Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland) will be required to provide a 
further six weekday hours of programming from their home nation.

No station will be required to produce more locally-made programming 
than at present and, for many licensees, the new guidelines represent 
substantial deregulation.

Given the challenging economic climate facing the radio industry 
currently, Ofcom recognises the need for flexibility and the case for 
reducing overheads. So Ofcom will now consider requests from stations 
with a population coverage under 250,000 adults for co-location and/or 
programme sharing with a neighbouring station. Where stations are 
allowed to share programming they will still be required to provide at 
least four hours of bespoke local programming per day.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2008/02/nr_20080206