Global Radio Founder and Executive President Ashley Tabor has been defending his decision to take the competition commission to court.
Speaking during his interview on stage at the Radio Festival in Salford on Tuesday morning, Ashley said he is still delighted that he made the decision to buy GMG Radio. “Absolutely I am,” said Ashley.
He explained the only area the Competition Commission has a problem with is local sales, but is not convinced a local radio station is the only marketing choice for a local business.
“Does a local company only chosen between the local radio stations or can they choose between outdoor, television, local press, bus sides, not to mention online, Facebook, Google etc. That’s why we’re challenging it and that’s why we think there’s been an error.”
On DAB, Global Radio is supportive of the digital radio future. “It’s very important we have a positive decision from the Government on the DAB switchover in December, Ashley said on the upcoming announcement in December.
“What we need is for the Government to say DAB will be the predominant radio listening platform in the future. That will unlock the funding to take it forward.”
Discussing his network of local stations, Ashley said “How local is delivered is what matters.”
He went on to say: “It is possible for a DJ to be in the area and not say a word about the local area, and that ticks the Ofcom box. What matters is what the presenter says, not where they physically are.”
Interviewer Torin Douglas said he was asked to pose the question: “Would you like to own all of commercial radio if you were allowed?”
“The answer everyone expects me to say is yes but I’m actually not sure what the answer is,” said Ashley.
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Posted on Tuesday, October 15th, 2013 at 9:35 am by RadioToday UK