Deregulation of restricted radio broadcasting services

Ofcom have published proposals to reduce the regulatory burden on restricted broadcast licensees. The proposals will also expand the choice and flexibility associated with these services.

Restricted Service Licences (RSLs) are issued under the Broadcasting Act on FM and AM to provide radio services within a particular establishment (long-term - up to five years), such as a university campus or hospital, or during an event (short-term - typically 28 days), such as Ramadan.

Almost 500 short-term RSLs were granted in 2005, while 128 long-term licences have been issued. RSLs provide an inexpensive means for non-professional broadcasters to reach their audiences; licences are issued on a first come, first served basis but include certain restrictions as a result.

Ofcom is proposing:

* to allow commercial organisations, such as shopping centres and theme parks, to apply for long-term RSLs;
* to reduce restrictions on issuing short-term RSLs in a location where a commercial or community radio licence has been granted or where it is being advertised; and
* to issue long-term RSLs for periods of less than five years upon request.

The consultation also asks for views on the approach Ofcom should take when multiple applications are received for short-term RSLs to cover the same event in the same location, for example during Ramadan.

Separately, Ofcom has published a consultation on Community Audio Distribution Systems (CADS). Groups using CADS transmit live community events, such as religious services or council meetings, using Citizens' Band Radio equipment in a specific geographic area. A trial for these
services is currently underway and is due to end in March 2007. Ofcom is proposing to ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to exempt groups using CADS from the need to hold a Broadcasting Act licence. This exemption would avoid imposing a disproportionate regulatory burden on groups using these services.

Ofcom is also seeking evidence of demand for the currently unused spectrum between 55 and 68 MHz. One possible use of this spectrum is for low power Audio Distribution Systems (ADS) which could be used, for example, to allow spectators at a particular sports event to listen to commentary over the air. Ofcom proposes to introduce a permanent scheme to license these services and to remove restrictions on content created by ADS licensees themselves, such as advertising and other commercial messages.

Peter Davies, Director of Radio and Multimedia, said: "The proposed changes will help to reduce the regulatory burden for stakeholders while also expanding the range of restricted radio services in the future."

The closing-date for responses to the RSLs and ADS consultation is 5 July 2006 and 31 May 2006 for the consultation on CADS. The consultations can be found below:

Radio Restricted Services and 55 to 68 MHz consultation:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/rrs_5568/

Community Audio Distribution Systems consultation:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/cads_scheme/

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