Radio Lisburn Live has been found in breach of its community radio licence for failing to provide Ofcom with recordings of its broadcast output.
The issue came to light after a complaint prompted Ofcom to investigate whether the station was meeting its Key Commitments.
The Belfast and Lisburn-based station, which holds a Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) licence, was unable to supply audio from the period 12 to 18 May 2025. When the files were reviewed, they were found to contain no sound.
Radio Lisburn Live CIC, the licence holder, later confirmed that the station’s logging system had stopped recording due to an inadvertent change in audio input settings. The fault went undetected until Ofcom’s request, meaning the regulator was unable to determine whether the service was fulfilling its programming obligations, such as facilitating discussion and expression of opinion.
While Ofcom accepted that the station continues to meet its social gain responsibilities off-air, it said the inability to provide recordings raised serious concerns.
In response, the station said it had taken “immediate action” to correct the issue and prevent a recurrence. Measures include upgrading its software, installing a backup recording device at an off-site location, and implementing regular testing.
Despite the corrective steps, Ofcom found Radio Lisburn Live CIC in breach of Condition 9 of its licence, which requires the retention and provision of recordings upon request. The regulator said it may monitor the station in the future to ensure compliance with this requirement and its Key Commitments.
Radio Lisburn Live launched on DAB in December last year and serves audiences in Lisburn and Castlereagh with locally produced content aimed at working-class communities.