Radio Authority Imposes ‘Out Of Proportion’ Fine On Cat FM

The Radio Authority has this week imposed its highest fine ever on a licensee. The watchdog is fining 107.5 CAT FM £20,000 for “serious irregularities” in the running of its competitions. The RA received complaints that prizes for competitions which the station was running did not exist and that the prize winners’ names were fictitious; this was confirmed after an investigation by the regulator.

Cat FM, which is owned by The Local Radio Company, has condemned the fine as ‘all out of proportion’, and referred to it as being imposed ‘behind closed doors’. Until now, the station had a clear record and has since given out replacement prizes for its competitions.

The Radio Authority claims that it imposed such a high fine in order to reflect how seriously its members regard the ‘abuse of trust’ between the station and its listeners.

Cat FM plans to take legal advice on what mechanisms exist to challenge the decision, as the RA apparently provides no means of formal appeal. The station commented: “We asked to be represented at their disciplinary hearing because their staff hinted that the Authority were looking for an eye-catching way to find a scapegoat in the radio industry. We were not extended the courtesy and have never been given access to the full submissions before the Authority.”

Cat FM: 01242 699555 Radio Authority: 0171 430 2724