RA To Replace Radio’s Promise Of Performance With A Format

The Radio Authority (RA) has announced that it is considering changes to the way in which a radio station guarantees to provide the service it proposes when applying for a licence.

Each radio licence holder currently operates under what is called the Promise of Performance. This is designed to ensure that if a station says at the time of application that it will provide cutting edge dance music for a 16-34 aged audience, it then continues to provide such a service. The Promise of Performance gives details of the proportion of speech, music, features and other material to be broadcast and has been in operation since 1991 when the RA launched.

The Authority is now considering moving to a system of ‘Formats’ which, says the RA, “would encapsulate, more concisely, the character of each service.” This would give stations freedom to make programming changes that stay within the Format.

In order to achieve this, the RA would redesign the licence application form by inciting “less illustrative prose and more direct responses”. The applications would also shift the emphasis from quantitative requirements to a more qualitative appraisal of important areas.

The Authority’s new head of programming and advertising, Martin Campbell, said: “Moving to a Format would allow radio stations more creative freedom while protecting the listener and ensuring a continuing widening of choice for the future. The initial response from the industry has been positive”.

Radio Authority: 0171 430 2724