Ofcom has decided that the BBC should not go ahead with plans for a Radio 2 spin-off and an expanded Radio 5 Sports Extra.
The provisional conclusions of assessments of the BBC’s plans to launch four new DAB+ stations and extend the hours of Radio 5 Sports Extra have been published today by the regulator.
For the BBC’s planned Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind stations, Ofcom found these stations would have a limited impact on fair and effective competition, which would be justified by the public value of the proposals, so these plans can proceed.
For the Radio 2 spin-off, it said that it would offer some public value, but would likely have an impact on commercial stations, particularly Boom Radio and could also deter entry and reduce investment incentives for commercial stations, especially those that intend to serve audiences that the BBC has moved away from.
Ofcom said for the plan to extend the broadcasting hours of Radio 5 Sports Extra, the BBC had not presented sufficient evidence that the changes would especially appeal to its target younger and working-class audiences, nor had it committed to give significant exposure to sports that currently receive less radio coverage.
It could also have a significant impact on commercial sports radio, specifically the talkSPORT Network.
Ofcom is inviting feedback on its provisional conclusions by 14th May 2025, and will issue its final decisions by 4th July 2025.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We are pleased that Ofcom is set to approve Radio 1 Anthems, Radio 1 Dance and Radio 3 Unwind. The extensions with their brilliant programming have already proved popular on BBC Sounds and will now reach even more listeners on DAB.
“However, we are disappointed that in a thriving audio market, we are not able to launch the new Radio 2 extension or expand the content offer on Radio 5 Sports Extra. They would have provided audiences with a unique BBC take on the music, stories and archive performances from 1950s, 60s and 70s, and helped more listeners across the UK discover our diverse sports podcasts.
“We believe our plans for Radio 2 and Radio 5 Sports Extra were distinctive and formed an important way for us to reach those audiences who currently get less from the BBC. We significantly redeveloped the proposals following an extensive consultation with the industry, so that they would complement the offer across the market for the benefit of listeners.”
Matt Payton, Radiocentre CEO said: “Ofcom’s proposal to block the launch of a new Radio 2 spin-off service is very welcome and is the only sensible conclusion given its potential impact on competing services. Failure to act would have put the future of some existing commercial services at risk, during a time of significant economic uncertainty.
“It is not entirely clear why Ofcom has not applied the same logic to the launch of the other proposed services from the BBC, which are also an imitation of existing commercial radio stations. We look forward to responding to Ofcom’s consultation setting out these concerns.”
A talkSPORT spokesman said: “Ofcom has today recognised that there is no justification for the BBC to expand its services in areas already well served by the commercial radio sector, and that such an expansion could have a significant adverse impact on the ability for commercial radio stations to operate.
“Given its scale and funding model, it’s vital that the potential negative impact of the BBC’s activities on competitors is properly recognised.
“talkSPORT invests in providing high quality sports coverage for audiences across the UK, and this decision ensures that we will be able to continue to offer the live sports commentary and lively debate that our audiences love.”
I am so disappointed that @BBCRadio2 is not being aloud to expand and have a Radio2 extra where we could bring a unique service to the public. The BBC has a fantastic amount of archive material which this new service would have broadcast as well as music from the 50’s, 60’s and… pic.twitter.com/2kUdTQu65J
— Tony Blackburn OBE. (@tonyblackburn) April 10, 2025