The Culture, Media and Sport Committee in the UK has given its support to the Media Bill measures aimed at safeguarding the radio industry.
The committee recommends that the government include provisions in the bill to protect radio stations from larger platforms that could control access to audiences, potentially driving listeners away.
As the media landscape continues to evolve with the increasing popularity of smart speakers for accessing content, the report stresses the importance of ensuring radio’s availability on voice-activated devices.
Additionally, the committee calls for clearer guidance for Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, to enforce the obligation of providing locally gathered news and information, as the industry undergoes significant changes with a shift towards national networks and the advent of new technologies.
The Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, emphasized that radio’s operating environment has drastically transformed in recent years, and it is essential for the Media Bill to address these challenges.
The legislation should protect radio’s accessibility on emerging platforms and also maintain a focus on local news and information despite the move towards deregulation.
“The environment in which radio operates has changed beyond all recognition in recent years, with the move away from independent stations towards national networks and the rise of smart speakers just the latest developments to test the existing regulatory regime.
Amid the rapid changes, it is vital that the Government includes the provisions in the Media Bill to protect radio’s availability on voice-activated devices. It is also important that in the move towards deregulation of radio, Ministers do not lose sight of the importance to listeners of local news and information. The new legislation must make the enforcement responsibilities of Ofcom clear.
We look forward to seeing the measures in the Bill when the legislation is brought forward,” Dame Caroline Dinenage MP said.
