Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 102
Require Ofcom to resume offering FM licences for local and community radio
Recommendation
Ofcom’s decision to prioritise DAB licenses overlooks the high levels of AM/ FM listening in Wales, and does not take into account the difficulties in digital transmission across parts of Wales. Community radio stations believe that FM licences will enable them to reach a wider audience. There is a clear demand, and continuing need, for FM radio licences. We recommend that Ofcom resume offering FM licences, particularly targeting local and community radio stations.
Government Response Summary
The government commits to exploring options with the Welsh Government and Ofcom to support more community radio services in Wales, including considering the role of FM, but clarifies that the decision to offer new FM licences is ultimately for Ofcom to determine.
Paragraph Reference:
102
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government believes that the proposed changes to commercial radio licensing requirements set out in Part 5 of the Media Bill, including the specific changes to Ofcom’s remit with regard to localness, will help to reduce the burdens on commercial radio whilst ensuring that local news continues to be protected. By giving commercial stations more freedom and flexibility to adapt their services, these changes will help support the long-term viability of commercial radio across Wales. We agree there is a need to look at whether there is sufficient plurality of Welsh language programming, noting the BBC’s proposals to expand its programming on BBC Radio Cymru 2. However, introducing or increasing requirements on existing commercial stations to increase the availability of Welsh language programming could affect the viability of commercial stations in Wales and reduce the choice of services available to Welsh listeners on FM or DAB. We agree with a number of the Committee’s witnesses who suggested that community radio could play a greater role in providing choice for listeners in Wales, and we are committed to working with the Welsh Government and with Ofcom to explore options as to how to support more community services in Wales including services that cater for Welsh language speakers. This will include looking at the possible role that FM may play, though decisions on whether to offer new FM licences to community radio stations in Wales is a matter for Ofcom to ultimately determine.