Radio Authority Announces Initiatives To Increase Openness And Transparency

The Radio Authority has announced six new measures to explain and give access to more of its processes. Launching the initiatives, Richard Hooper, who chairs the Authority, said: “I see openness and transparency as fundamental to strengthening the relationship between the regulator and the regulated.”

The measures relax the ‘purdah’ rules governing contact between the Authority and licence applicants during the application period. In the past, these rules have been criticised as being too restrictive, as large groups could go for a year or more in purdah. The new arrangement should also avoid perceived favouritism in the awarding of licences. Details are to be published in a Code of Best Practice for Members document.

The Authority will also publish the agenda for its monthly meetings on its website, along with a full account of non-confidential matters discussed. In addition, guides under the series title “How the Radio Authority…”, explaining procedures, will be published throughout the year.

A Register of Interests will be published by summer this year, making public all current share holdings, directorships, partnerships and employment in media and communications of members and senior staff. The Authority’s Register of Gifts and Hospitality will also be made available to the public.

The Radio Authority also confirmed today a positive public interest test for Kent station, Medway FM. This determines that Daily Mail and General Trust Radio could control licensees Medway FM Ltd without operating against the public interest.

Radio Authority 020 7430 2724