Radio Authority Quarterly Bulletin

The Radio Authority has published its Quarterly Bulletin for the fourth quarter of 1996.

During this period, the Authority received 80 programming complaints; 12 of these were upheld. 106 complaints about advertising and sponsorship issues were also made to the Authority in this time; 27 of these complaints were upheld.

Sanctions were imposed on a number of stations. Dartington broadcasters A1 FM, now Alpha 103.2, received a warning letter from the Authority following their failure to supply recording to the Broadcasting Standards Council for a complaint they had received. Spectrum Radio, which broadcasts to Greater London was required to broadcast an on-air apology on its Jewish programme for its handling of an item that was contrary to code rules on religious offence. The station also received a £1,000 fine for remarks made on its Iranian programme against the Iranian government without offering a means of response and for an advertisement for a concert. Birmingham-based, Radio XL was also fined £1,000 for breaches to its Promise of Performance. The station agreed has not provided local, regional or Asian news at weekends or a programme for the Chinese community since it launched last year.

….The Radio Authority has also published a consultative document setting out the issues surrounding the possible use of 225 kHZ as a fourth Independent National Radio service. The Authority is inviting all interested parties to submit their views.

This frequency was previously assigned to BBC Scotland, but is not utilized. The Secretary of State for National Heritage has re-assigned the frequency back to the Authority for possible use as a national service. It is estimated that the frequency could cover 80% of the UK; although international frequency clearance has be agreed and technical matters are still to be resolved.

The Authority is seeking views on the likely level of demand for a further national AM frequency. It is interested in hearing what areas of programming it is felt remain un-served by the three existing national licensees, the most appropriate timing for the advertising of the INR4 licence and how the new station would fit in with plans for digital audio broadcasting.

Copies of the Quarterly Bulletin are available from the Authority. Comments on the proposed licence should be received by the Authority by 31 March 1997.

Submissions should be addressed to:

The Chief Executive

The Radio Authority

Holbrook House

14 Great Queen Street

Holborn

London WC2B 5DG

Tel: 0171 405 7058