The Radio Authority Rules

The Radio Authority has announced that, having received assurances from Border Television plc about its proposed acquisition of Sun City Radio Ltd, it has decided that the company’s ownership of this licence could not be expected to operate against the public interest. In particular, Border Television guaranteed that it would safe-guard the separate news operation at Sun City 103.4, and protect the independence of its board.

Sun City 103.4 broadcasts on FM in the Sunderland area. Border Television currently owns Century Radio Ltd, which broadcasts as Century Radio in North East England. Under the 1996 Broadcasting Act, a company cannot hold two licences on the same waveband in the same area; unless the Authority determines that the holding on those licenses could not be expected to operate against the public interest. The Authority decided, in this instance, Border TV would not be operating against the public interest.

In a separate case, the Radio Authority has decided that the proposed acquisition of Radio Wyvern Plc by GWR Group Plc also would not go against the public interest. GWR has assured the Authority that it will safeguard the distinct local character of the programming on Wyvern FM. As part of its approval, the Authority has agreed to the simultaneous transfer of Wyvern AM’s licence to Radio First Plc.

GWR broadcasts an FM service in the Cheltenham and Gloucester area, Severn Sound FM. Radio Wyvern broadcasts an FM and an AM service in the Hereford and Worcester area. After much consideration, the Authority decided that this concentration of ownership would not stop the individual radio stations involved from operating in the public interest.

Radio Authority: 0171 405 7058