Ofcom sets out future regulation of commercial radio

15 February 2006

Ofcom today publishes its statement on the future regulation of the UK commercial radio sector.

The new procedures were proposed in Ofcom's Radio Review consultation, which closed on 11 January. The review was undertaken as a result of requirements under Section 67 of the Broadcasting Act 1996 and Section 314 of the Communications Act 2003.

The statement published today outlines the following:

* the procedure for handling Format change requests for analogue local commercial radio services;

* Ofcom's approach to regulation output and the establishment of a Public File reporting each station's activities;

* a requirement that broadcasters follow Localness Guidelines, setting out guidance on how stations can best deliver local elements of their output; and

* the next steps regarding the removal of restrictions on daytime automation on stations, news hub arrangements and the location of studios within licensed areas.

The process to change station Formats will begin shortly and Public Files should be in place by June.

Peter Davies, Director of Radio and Multimedia, said: "The changes reflect Ofcom's move towards a greater focus on output regulation, concentrating on what the listener actually hears as opposed to how programmes are produced."

The Radio Review 'Preparing for the Future' statement is available from the Ofcom website at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/
radio_reviewp2/statement/

The Localness Guidelines are available from the Ofcom website at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radio/ifi/rbl/commer/ar/localness/

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