The Association of Independent Radio Contractors, whilst supporting public financing for BBC radio, believes that the corporation should not provide programming that it believes is adequately provided by the independent sector.
The AIRC has sent a statement to the National Heritage Secretary on the BBC Charter review, stating what it believes should be the roles of the BBC and independent radio. In the statement it condones the BBC’s income from the licence fee if it is used for “programming of an obvious public service nature, or programmes in the cultural interests of the nation which would not otherwise be available.”
However, it goes on to say it is not justifiable for the BBC to use the licence fee to provide services similar to those which exist in the commercial sector.
The AIRC points out that, unlike independent stations, BBC Radio does not have a Promise of Performance clause in its contract. It is therefore able to respond to changes in the market and directly compete with the independent sector.
The AIRC believes the new charter should include programme parameters for BBC Radio in the same way that the Radio Authority regulates commercial stations.
Stewart Francis, AIRC chairman, suggests that for the medium to achieve the greatest level of choice then, “you have to look at the totality of radio and eliminate unnecessary overlaps.” He refers to AIRC’s statement to the Government before the 1987 Green Paper, when it requested one regulatory body to cover all radio. This recommendation was not met.
The statement concludes by arguing that funds from the licence fee or taxation should not be the sole preserve of the BBC. It calls for funds to be made available to any broadcaster who aims to provide a service which meets agreed public service criteria.
The AIRC statement was made to the Government following an examination of the current position of radio, with the understanding that the Charter review provides a prospect for re-organisation of the medium.
AIRC: 071 727 2646
