According to a report in today’s Independent the Government is set to relax the one-licence limit on FM radio. This is expected to be confirmed when the forthcoming Broadcasting Bill is debated next week.
The move would benefit leading commercial radio groups such as Capital, GWR and Emap which have long been campaigning for a change in the rules. As they stand companies are restricted to a single FM licence in their region with the aim of protecting diversity and choice.
It is believed however that the Government is convinced of the need for liberalisation, especially in highly competitive markets like London and in very small regions where separately owned licences are difficult to sustain.
The Radio Authority, which does not believe the rules should be changed, maintains that no decision has been made and says the Government is still debating the issue.
Radio Authority: 0171 430 2724
Department of National Heritage: 0171 211 6200
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