AMI Wants Fourth INR Station

The Association of Media Independents has called for there to be a fourth national radio station. In a submission to the Radio Authority regarding the consultation document issued on 9 February, the AMI believes the spare 105 to 108 FM frequency should be used for a national service as there are already enough local stations.

The AMI believe that any increase in local stations would in fact deprive the existing stations of advertising revenue. The AMI attributes the recent popularity of and growth in radio as an advertising medium to the two current national stations, Classic and Virgin. These have added to the medium, whilst not threatening local stations. Additional local development should wait until the advent of DAB.

Jane O’Hara, AMI spokesperson on radio stated that, “By allowing this frequency to INR, radio would truly enter the premier division in media terms.” The AMI calls for the new fourth station to be music based.

AMI 081 343 7779.

RADIO FREQUENCIES MAY BE AUCTIONED

The Department of Trade and Industry is considering selling off parts of the radio spectrum. In a consultative document the DTI asks for comments on two main options for the future, administrative pricing or selective auctions.

The trade and industry secretary, Michael Heseltine said that the document called for “an extended role for the private sector in planning the spectrum and assigning frequencies.” The radio spectrum covers all the useful radio frequencies, used by radio and television as well as satellite services and telecommunications.

The Radiocommunications Agency, which assigns frequencies now, would retain responsibility for core activities performed by the government. A new system of tradable property rights in the spectrum would be created. Fees linked to frequencies would encourage users to only use and retain the frequencies they need. Auctions could either sell parts of the spectrum direct to users or rights could be sold to an organisation which would then assign licences.

DTI Enquiries: 071 215 5972