New BBC Operating Licence retains key radio quotas 

The BBC’s new Operating Licence was published by Ofcom on 23rd March and has been broadly welcomed by Radiocentre.

Several important quotas designed to keep BBC radio distinctive have been retained, including speech quotas on BBC Local Radio and requirements for new UK music and news output on Radio 1 and Radio 2. BBC Sounds will be also regulated directly by Ofcom for the first time.

The new Operating Licence, which came into force on 1st April 2023, sets out the rules and obligations for the BBC as a public service broadcaster. The licence is issued by Ofcom and is reviewed periodically to ensure that the BBC is fulfilling its public service remit and adequately serving the interests of its audiences.

Last year, Radiocentre responded to an Ofcom consultation on modernising the Operating Licence and set out some overarching concerns about the direction of travel. This included proposals to remove or dilute quotas related to core elements of the BBC’s public service broadcasting – such as speech content on local radio, news bulletins on Radio 1 and Radio 2, and the lack of conditions placed on BBC Sounds.

Although the new Operating Licence does not address all of these concerns, it does retain some key quotas for BBC radio services that will ensure it is held to account for producing greater levels of public service content. This included Ofcom’s decision not to reduce speech requirements on BBC Local Radio at breakfast peak from 100% to 75%, as well as the retention of quotas for safeguarding distinctiveness of BBC’s radio services, including new music and UK acts on Radio 1 and Radio 2, as well as news and current affairs.

These retained regulatory conditions are a positive step forward and will help to ensure that the new Operating Licence holds the BBC to account for the delivery of distinctive public service content to listeners.

Matt Payton, Chief Executive of Radiocentre, said:

“We are pleased that Ofcom maintained a number of quotas in its new Operating Licence in order to ensure that BBC radio remains distinctive. This shows that Ofcom understands the important role of quotas in ensuring that the BBC fulfils its public service mission. We will continue to work with Ofcom to make sure that the BBC is regulated effectively and accountable for meeting its obligations.”