Radiocentre is asking Ofcom to introduce mandatory news bulletins on the BBC’s proposed new national DAB+ radio stations.
The request follows the BBC’s plan to launch three new services: Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind. These stations are expected to be approved this summer, while a fourth proposal for a Radio 2 spin-off focused on music from the 50s, 60s and 70s appears likely to be blocked.
Radiocentre submitted its response to Ofcom’s consultation last week. It supports Ofcom’s decision to stop the Radio 2 extension from going ahead, citing competition concerns, but also wants new licence conditions added to the three other services to ensure they deliver more public value.
The lack of news content across the proposed services has raised questions, including from MPs during a recent Culture, Media and Sport Committee session with Ofcom’s Chief Executive Dame Melanie Dawes and Chair Lord Grade.
Radiocentre CEO Matt Payton said: “Should Ofcom give the green light for the BBC to launch Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind as national stations, it is entirely reasonable to expect them to provide guaranteed news bulletins and enhanced public value.”
He added that listeners rely on trusted news updates from radio and said it would be a “serious omission” if the new stations did not meet this standard.
Radiocentre represents more than 50 stakeholders and over 90 per cent of UK commercial radio listening.
More details can be found at radiocentre.org.