Committee publish report on radio licences
24 July 2020
The Regulatory Reform Committee has published a report today which includes its consideration of the draft order on the renewal of analogue commercial radio licences.
The Government's draft Order allows analogue commercial radio licences which are due to expire from 2022 to be renewed for a further ten-year period. Local radio licences that were granted on or after 8 April 2010 would be renewable for a further five-year and ten-year period.
Chair's comments
Stephen McPartland, Chair of the Regulatory Reform Committee, said:
“In the next decade, a number of established radio stations will reach the final expiry of their analogue licences. This includes the three national licences for Classic FM, and the AM licences for Absolute Radio and TalkSport - plus approximately 100 local licences. The Government's draft Order provides for further renewal of these licences, for up to another ten years. The Committee has recommended in its Report that the draft Order be made, subject to final approval in the House by MPs.”
In February 2020 the Government announced a review of digital radio, this review included consideration of the longevity of analogue broadcasting transmission. In the next decade several established radio stations will reach the final expiry of their analogue licences, and renewals under the current legislation are now used up.
Further details of the Government's consultation of options relating the final expiry of these analogue licences and background relating to the Digital Economy Act 2010 is included in the report. The purpose of the draft Order is to amend sections 103B, 104A and 104AA of the Broadcasting Act 1990 to allow analogue commercial radio licences which are due to expire from 2022 to be renewed for a further ten-year period.
Further information
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