The Radio Authority has published its response to the Government’s Media Ownership Proposals; the Authority has also included recommendations for changes to the 1990 Broadcasting Act.
The Radio Authority has specifically highlighted the fact there is no mention of ‘safeguarding plurality’ in the 1990 Act (by plurality it means a range of views and opinions); plurality is not necessarily best served by restricting ownership of licences alone; and that regulation of programming plays a more important part in respect of diversity than the government acknowledges.
The Authority recommends the introduction of a quality threshold in the process of renewal for national licences (and for local where there is no credible competition), in much the same way as for television area licences.
With regard to community radio, likely to be funded by other means apart from advertising or programme sponsorship, the Authority comments that funding for this should be separate from the commercial sector.
The Authority questions the practicality of the government’s proposals about considering the question of public interest in ownership arrangements. The Authority supports the “Share of Voice” concept, but points out that it can only be implemented by subjective judgment.
The Authority also questions the proposal that revenue is an appropriate measure for dealing with concerns about plurality. Because revenue is so easily affected by marketing strategies, it does not necessarily reflect hours of media consumption or potential influence, on a consistent basis.
The points system, which is to be retained for the foreseeable future, is supported by the Authority, but they wish to discuss the longer term alternative of audience share or reach with the government.
The Authority also says there is no need for a new regulator for ownership; licensing and ownership are inextricably linked.
Radio Authority: 0171 430 2724
