Radiocentre welcomes Government’s imminent deregulation proposals

Matt Hancock, Minister of State responsible for Digital and Culture at the DCMS, has confirmed that proposals for the deregulation of radio will be put forward before the end of the year.

Speaking at The Radio Academy’s 2016 Radio Festival on Monday, Matt Hancock said: “we asked Ofcom to examine the scope last year on formats, local content and local production requirements. The disparity between analogue radio and digital is obvious, with a lighter touch regulation on digital services. There are multiple opportunities for deregulation, balanced with the continued need for provision of news and locally-focussed content. It is essential that listeners can get these services on these new platforms.”

He also detailed the outcome of Ofcom’s trial of Local DAB, indicating that the Government can now proceed with creating new small-scale multiplexes. “We are looking at introducing legislation at the earliest opportunity for the licensing and regulation of these services, with a light-touch approach,” he said.

Welcoming the Minister’s commitment to deregulate commercial radio, Siobhan Kenny, CEO of Radiocentre, said: “I am really pleased that the Minister has used his first address to the radio industry to confirm plans to review some of the outdated content rules for commercial radio. We look forward to working with him on the detail over the next few months.”

Find full press release here.