Community radio operator Churnet Sound has been found in breach of its licence conditions after Ofcom ruled the station failed to deliver key elements of its promised service.
The regulator investigated following a complaint about whether the station was meeting its Key Commitments.
These include focusing on social isolation and rural deprivation, involving local people in running the station, and ensuring accountability to its target community.
Between 19 and 25 May this year, Ofcom found Churnet Sound’s services in Stoke, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Congleton and Leek were broadcasting identical content and not sufficiently addressing its community focus. Although local news bulletins and a “Community Notice Board” were aired, Ofcom said there was limited presenter-led programming engaging directly with the issues of social isolation and rural deprivation.
The station also failed to demonstrate how volunteers could contribute to its management, or how it was accountable to its audience. Ofcom noted plans to create a new volunteer management committee but said no evidence was provided that mechanisms were currently in place.
In addition, Ofcom said Churnet Sound did not supply a programme schedule when requested and initially failed to provide 45 hours of required recordings. Although these were later submitted, the regulator found the delays and missing information meant the station had breached further licence conditions.
Churnet Sound told Ofcom it had faced disruption after alleged sabotage from a former volunteer and confirmed it was working to strengthen compliance, including new recording back-up systems and efforts to recruit more volunteers. It also indicated plans to surrender its licence for Leek and Congleton to focus on serving Stoke and Newcastle-under-Lyme, though no formal request has been received.
Ofcom concluded that the station was in breach of Licence Conditions 2(1), 2(3), 9(2)(b) and 10(1), and said it expected the operator to take immediate steps to rectify the issues.