Recommendation 4

The radio industry has legitimate concerns about the potential for larger platforms to control access to stations and drive audiences elsewhere. While listening to radio still makes up the majority of audio consumed over smart speakers, and smart speakers only account for 14 percent of total radio listening, the balance of power is likely to move away from stations and towards platforms over time. This shift presents a risk to the radio industry, which the Government needs to address if the industry is to continue to thrive in the long-term. We strongly support the inclusion of provisions on radio in the Media Bill, and recommend the Government includes the Bill, with these measures, in the legislative programme for the next session of this Parliament.