The UK government has launched a consultation to ‘release radio from its shackles’ by addressing the old regulations encumbering national and local stations.
As part of the plans, the Department for Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS) will grant stations more choice on what content they broadcast and how they produce it.
In particular, DJs on local stations will be given greater freedom to curate their own content and playlists without needing permission from media watchdog Ofcom.
However, broadcasters will still be required to provide news and local information bulletins where appropriate.
Elsewhere, the proposals suggest stations should have more resources to invest in new ways to attract and retain listeners, particularly in younger demographics.
At present, commercial radio has to abide by a series of complex rules regarding content which are enforced by Ofcom, many of which were devised in the late eighties before the emergence of digital technologies.
Matt Hancock, minister for digital and culture, said: ‘In a time of extraordinary change, radio has thrived. But the way commercial radio is regulated is increasingly outdated and holding it back from investing in new content, services and platforms.
‘All these things are essential for radio to stay relevant, especially in an age of unregulated internet audio services. Under our new proposals we will be giving local radio stations more freedom and flexibility to meet the needs of listeners across the country.’
Siobhan Kenny, chief executive of Radiocentre, added: ‘Radiocentre welcomes the government’s announcement wholeheartedly as we have been asking for the existing rules on both music output and how and where content is made to be updated.
‘With 45 percent of radio listening now on digital platforms and new competition from streaming services, it is high time legislation caught up. The times have already changed so this is excellent news.’
The DCMS is now welcoming comments and submissions from individuals and organisations in the commercial radio sector, as well as members of the public.
The consultation will close on 8 May. Take part
As part of the plans, the Department for Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS) will grant stations more choice on what content they broadcast and how they produce it.
In particular, DJs on local stations will be given greater freedom to curate their own content and playlists without needing permission from media watchdog Ofcom.
However, broadcasters will still be required to provide news and local information bulletins where appropriate.
Elsewhere, the proposals suggest stations should have more resources to invest in new ways to attract and retain listeners, particularly in younger demographics.
At present, commercial radio has to abide by a series of complex rules regarding content which are enforced by Ofcom, many of which were devised in the late eighties before the emergence of digital technologies.
Matt Hancock, minister for digital and culture, said: ‘In a time of extraordinary change, radio has thrived. But the way commercial radio is regulated is increasingly outdated and holding it back from investing in new content, services and platforms.
‘All these things are essential for radio to stay relevant, especially in an age of unregulated internet audio services. Under our new proposals we will be giving local radio stations more freedom and flexibility to meet the needs of listeners across the country.’
Siobhan Kenny, chief executive of Radiocentre, added: ‘Radiocentre welcomes the government’s announcement wholeheartedly as we have been asking for the existing rules on both music output and how and where content is made to be updated.
‘With 45 percent of radio listening now on digital platforms and new competition from streaming services, it is high time legislation caught up. The times have already changed so this is excellent news.’
The DCMS is now welcoming comments and submissions from individuals and organisations in the commercial radio sector, as well as members of the public.
The consultation will close on 8 May. Take part
