Commercial Radio To Build “Friendship” With BBC

In the run up to the analogue switch off, commercial radio bosses are keen to build a “frosty friendship” with the BBC, according to a report in the Guardian.

At a meeting between representatives from commercial radio and the BBC it was agreed that an analogue switch off between 2010 and 2015 was feasible, despite some previous estimates putting the switch-off date nearer to 2030.

Minutes of a board meeting of the commercial radio stations’ representative, the Radio Centre, leaked to the Guardian state: “Discussions with the BBC on October 4 suggested that an analogue switch-off in 2010-2015 was feasible.

“Creating the right environment for radio to grow involved influencing audience measurement, legislation, regulation and copyright agreements. The relationship with the BBC was a central part of that strategy.

“The BBC dinner on October 4 has already helped build the ‘frosty friendship’ that was appropriate.”

The Guardian report says that according to a Radio Centre three-year plan, commercial radio wants to up its share of the market, currently 43.6%, to 46% by 2009. Its long-term target is a share of 50% or more.

However, the report made clear that the Radio Centre said the leaked documents may be drafts and were not necessarily the final document.

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk Radio Centre: www.radiocentre.org