Radiocentre welcomes full Ofcom review of proposed BBC radio stations

The announcement today (19th December) that UK media regulator Ofcom is launching a comprehensive and independent assessment into the BBC’s plans to launch four new music radio stations has been welcomed by Radiocentre, the industry body for commercial radio. 

Last month, following an initial consultation, or Public Interest Test, the BBC published its own assessment of its proposals for new spin-off stations (Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems, Radio 3 Unwind and a Radio 2 nostalgia service) on DAB+ and online. As part of this consultation the BBC concluded that the impact on competition is acceptable and that the new services would ultimately be distinctive.  

After reviewing the proposals, Ofcom has determined that a BBC competition assessment (BCA) is necessary to determine whether these new DAB+ stations can be launched. In a letter to the BBC, Ofcom agreed that the BBC’s proposals were material changes that would each comprise a new UK public service and confirmed that it will now undertake a full BCA process, which is expected to last around six months. 

Responding to the announcement, Radiocentre’s CEO, Matt Payton said: 

“We welcome Ofcom’s independent scrutiny of these proposed new radio stations from the BBC. A thorough third-party analysis is necessary to consider the scale and impact of these changes on the UK audio market, rather than relying on the BBC to mark its own homework. We look forward to engaging with Ofcom on the process, where we will continue to highlight the lack of distinctiveness and the negative effect on audiences and competition.”