Ofcom paves way for analogue radio switch-off

by Daniel Farey-Jones, Brand Republic 17-Apr-07, 11:35

LONDON - Ofcom has proposed that the future of the AM radio spectrum be reviewed in 2009, with FM to follow by 2012, and the regulatory burden on smaller commercial stations be reduced, in its report on the future of radio regulation.

Ofcom wants to review the future of the FM spectrum by 2012 or before, if digital listening has grown to 50% of total listening.

There are currently no plans to turn off analogue radio signals, but Ofcom is aware that the current growth trend of digital radio suggests it will account for 90% of all radio listening by 2017.

It has now opened a consultation seeking views on how the AM and FM spectrum, currently used by analogue radio services, could be freed-up for digital services, such as mobile television and digital radio. The radio industry has until June 29 to respond.

It is up to the government and Parliament to decide on the timing of switch-off and on changes to legisalation, but Ofcom has advised them to think how to ensure the various analogue station licences expire at the same time.

It suggested this could be done by extending existing licences for an indefinite period, but subject to two year's notice of termination; in addition to removing the automatic renewal for analogue licences whose holders are also offering a DAB service on a relevant radio multiplex.

Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom, said: "Radio remains important to many consumers, but the environment which it operates in is changing. It is essential that regulation reflects this. The proposals we outline today seek to ensure a vibrant and innovative UK radio sector."

The report also proposes a relaxation of the regulatory load on the commercial radio sector, particularly smaller stations, and a harmonisation of ownership rules across analogue and digital stations.

In recent months the local radio industry has been pressing for less regulation, with the high watermark of discontent reached when UKRD handed its Stroud licence back to Ofcom last September.

Ofcom's response was to propose simplifying the level of detail required in analogue station formats and standardising the requirements for local material in programming, based on the size of the station.

Finally, Ofcom suggested the government should consider simplifying station ownership rules, which currently apply in different ways to analogue and digital stations, by moving to a single set of ownership rules across both platforms as digital listening increases.