Toughest Sanctions Ever For Student Radio Station

The Radio Authority yesterday imposed its most serious sanctions ever when it fined Oxygen FM £20,000 and shortened its licence by 2 years. The Oxford-based station, which broadcasts to students and young listeners, was given the sanctions after it fabricated its output in an attempt to deceive the regulator.

An investigation was launched into the station after complaints were received stating that it had breached its format of debate, discussion and arts and science-based programmes. When the RA asked for tapes from the 1st March to help with the investigation the station did not have the requested tapes and so fabricated that days broadcasting. On the 8th March they broadcast as though it was the 1st March, and continued the fabrication with each date requested so that the RA were given no genuine tapes for the dates they required.

The actions were condemned by Sir Peter Gibbings, chairman of the authority, who described the station as showing “shocking disrespect for its listeners. As the first student-targeted station this is an unusual licence but all licensees must comply with the terms of their licence.” Part of these terms state that stations must keep tapes of their output for 42 days.

Oxygen FM began broadcasting in February 1997. The Radio Authority’s decision to shorten its licence will mean it will be re-advertised during 2001.

The Radio Authority: 0171 430 2724