B Radio could serve people of all ages in Reading after Ofcom indicated it is minded to approve a change to its licence.
The station, which began broadcasting in June 2021 on 95.6 FM, currently has a formal commitment to serve people aged under 40 who live, work and study in Reading.
The revised wording would extend that commitment to anyone living, working or studying in Reading, regardless of age.
Licensee B Radio Limited also wants to broaden its social gain commitments, providing a voice to local people generally while maintaining “some dedicated output” for those aged under 40 and offering opportunities to learn new skills.
Ofcom says the proposed change would substantially alter the character of the service, which was originally established to serve a younger community.
The regulator has also considered the risk of “format creep” following previous changes to the station’s commitments covering music, speech and locally produced programming.
However, Ofcom believes the change would not narrow the choice of community radio programming available to younger people and could improve volunteer recruitment and financial sustainability.
B Radio says it will continue its weekly local music programme and is developing a student led show covering issues affecting students in Reading.
It also intends to maintain training and participation opportunities through its relationship with the University of Reading Radio Society, with studios remaining at the university’s students’ union building.
A small consultation carried out by the station found support for the proposals, including among existing volunteers and members of the university’s Radio Society.
Ofcom notes there is no other analogue community radio station providing general local programming for all ages in Reading, adding that its preliminary assessment might have been different if another such service existed.
The consultation closes at 5pm on 13 November, with Ofcom planning to publish its final decision in December.
