Ofcom has found 21 radio stations in breach of their licences after failing to submit required financial and turnover reports for 2024.
The breaches relate to two separate regulatory requirements: community radio finance reports and annual Relevant Turnover submissions. Both are mandatory and help Ofcom monitor the sector and set appropriate fees for licensed services.
Four community stations failed to provide any finance report at all by the deadline. These were Juice FM Belfast, Juice Radio in Preston, Leicester Community Radio, and Bristol-based SWUFM. Ten others submitted their reports late, including 1BTN, Fiesta FM, East Coast FM, Hayes FM, and Pride Radio.
In a separate breach ruling, seven radio services failed to submit their 2024 Relevant Turnover returns. These included Fiesta FM and Juice Radio Ltd, both of which also appeared on the list of finance report breaches. Other stations listed were Mixer Radio, NonStop90s Radio, Radio Khushkhabri, Feel Good Throwbacks Radio, and Ramadan Radio Live.
Ofcom said the failure to provide these reports undermines its ability to carry out its statutory duties and properly regulate the sector. Both types of report are required under broadcasting legislation and licence conditions, with deadlines issued annually.
Radio Khushkhabri Ltd and Juice Radio Ltd had contacted Ofcom about difficulties with their submissions, but did not complete them in time. In both cases, Ofcom noted the communication but confirmed the information remained outstanding.
The rulings were published in Issue 527 of Ofcom’s Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin, released today. Read the full bulletin here.