 Ofcom
research into illegal broadcasting in the UK
Ofcom has just published detailed research into illegal broadcasting
– or so-called pirate radio – in
the UK.
The report examines levels of listening to illegal stations in Greater
London, in particular the boroughs of Hackney, Haringey and Lambeth. The
report also measures consumer awareness of interference to safety-of-life
services and licensed broadcasters caused by illegal broadcasting.
INTERFERENCE
The research found that 30% of all UK radio listeners say they have experienced
some form of interference to their service. Of those, 14% believe the
interference was caused by illegal broadcasters. In London, these figures
rise to 40% and 27% respectively.
Almost two-thirds (64%) of all UK radio listeners turn off their radios
or switch to a different station when they encounter interference. Some
2% of listeners who experience radio interference say they complain about
it. This figure increases to 8% when listeners believe the interference
is caused by illegal broadcasters.
The research found that six out of ten London adults surveyed were concerned
when told that illegal broadcasting can cause interference and disruption
to the communication systems used by safety-of-life services.
LISTENING
However, the report also shows that some illegal stations attract a substantial
audience, with 16% of adults in Greater London regularly listening to
them. Ofcom’s research shows that 25% of adults in Hackney, Haringey
and Lambeth and regularly tune in. Some 62% of listeners in these boroughs
say that illegal broadcasters offer something different from licensed
commercial radio and 40% say that illegal radio is community focused.
Under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, it is illegal to broadcast without
a licence and under the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom is responsible
for keeping spectrum free from interference. Ofcom takes illegal stations
off the air by raiding studios and seizing and disconnecting transmitters
and aerials. In 2006, Ofcom carried out 1,085 such operations and some
63 people were convicted of offences related to illegal broadcasting.
Illegal broadcasters transmit in the FM band. These broadcasts cause
interference to the communications systems of the safety-of-life services,
including the fire brigade and air traffic control, as well as legitimate
licensed radio stations, such as commercial and BBC radio. There are also
links between some illegal broadcasters and wider crime; Ofcom raids on
studios used by illegal broadcasters have uncovered drugs and weapons.
Other key findings from today’s report include:
• listeners to illegal broadcasters are made up of all age and social
groups; however, 15-to-24 year-olds and C1C2 socio-economic groups are
most likely to tune in;
• of those listening in Hackney, Haringey and Lambeth, 55% are male
and 45% are female;
• listeners to illegal broadcasters in these three boroughs are from
a variety of ethnic backgrounds, with black listeners making up 49% of
the group;
• overall, the music content of illegal stations is the main motivator
for listening in London; and
• nearly a quarter (24%) of people who listen to illegal stations
in Hackney, Haringey and Lambeth do so because they broadcast in languages
other than English.
In addition to continuing its programme of enforcement action against
illegal broadcasters, Ofcom plans to consult on new ways to tackle the
problem later in the year; today’s research will help to inform
the process.
Ofcom Chief Executive Ed Richards said: “Ofcom’s field force
team works very hard to keep the radio spectrum free from interference
for licensed users. However, we recognise that there is demand for content
provided by illegal broadcasters in some areas of the country. This research
will help shape our thinking on how to tackle this serious issue in the
future.”
The report and research annexes can be found at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/radio/
reports/illegal_broadcasting/
|
