RadioCentre calls for “fundamental repositioning of Radio 1 and Radio 2”
RadioCentre, the industry body for commercial radio, has called for “a fundamental repositioning of Radio 1 and Radio 2” in response to the Corporation’s strategic review.
According to the trade body’s two-part review, Radio 1 should aim at listeners aged 25 and under, while Radio 2 should focus on listeners aged under 45.
Putting Listeners First: the BBC’s Responsibility to Radio and BBC Radio – A Review “argue that the proposed changes from BBC Management fail to set out a vision for BBC Radio that recognises its true public value potential and as such are a missed opportunity to reshape the BBC’s portfolio of radio services in the interests of listeners.”
The documents also recommend:
- An enhanced commitment to, and investment in, digital radio
- A re-adjustment of the remit of BBC local radio services
- A reconsideration of the BBC’s approach to the cross-promotion of radio programming
- The empowerment of the BBC Trust to ensure that all final proposals arising out of the Strategy Review are implemented effectively
RadioCentre said that a separate report it commissioned, carried out by Value Partners, reinforced the findings.
“The report constitutes a balanced and impartial assessment based on research and interviews with industry experts, and includes a foreword from Rt Hon Lord Smith, former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport,” said RadioCentre.
Andrew Harrison, RadioCentre chief executive, said: “The best of BBC Radio is among the finest in the world. However, BBC Radio also enjoys an extremely privileged position, and it is right to consider how it should continue to play its part in securing a thriving radio sector for all.
“This is a unique opportunity to shape our industry for the digital age and one w e cannot afford to mi ss. I believe that our recommendations will deliver top-quality BBC output, and we urge the Trust to prove itself as the cheerleader for the listener.”
Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury said: “The balance in the radio industry gets out of kilter when public and commercial services sound too similar, or when BBC stations are seen to prioritise popularity over quality and the delivery of their public purposes.
“The recommendations in the Value Partners report are measured and proportionate and provide a framework with the potential to recast the shape of the UK radio industry for the better,and help the BBC Trust to meet its requirements to put radio listeners at the heart of its decisions.”