Ofcom Update: Requested Format changes to 102.2 and 100.4 Smooth Radio

Ofcom today published a consultation on requested Format changes to 102.2 Smooth Radio (Greater London) and 100.4 Smooth Radio (North-West England). The station owners, Guardian Media Group (GMG), are seeking to remove the requirement on these stations (broadcasting on both FM and on DAB in their respective regions) to provide 45 hours of jazz programmes a week. In addition, GMG wishes to remove the obligation in the North West to play "jazz, soul, blues and R & B".
 
GMG states that if Ofcom approves the change request detailed above it will provide a 24 hour a day jazz service on DAB in London only.
 
Legislation requires Ofcom to consider the requested changes to Smooth Radio in London and the North West on a stand-alone basis and so this consultation relates solely to those two FM stations. Consideration of these changes cannot be linked to any possible future request from GMG to launch a jazz station on DAB.
 
Ofcom believes this change would significantly alter the station’s Format and is seeking stakeholders’ views on the proposals. The closing date for responses is 11 April 2008.
 
Please use the following link for further details:
 
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/smoothfmformat/
 
 
Separately, Ofcom is today announcing that it has re-awarded the local FM commercial radio licence for the Kingston-upon-Thames area to the current licensee; Radio Jackie Limited. This licence has been re-awarded under Ofcom's 'fast-track' process, as set out in published guidelines, and will be for a period from 1 March 2009 to 31 December 2015.
 
This announcement follows Ofcom's decision to re-award any analogue commercial radio licences which are due to expire under existing statutory legislation for a five-year period or with an expiry date of 31 December 2015 (whichever constitutes a longer period).
 
Further details can be found at:
 
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radio/ifi/rbl/car/readvertisement/

 

 

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6 out of 10 people don't know what Audio Description is. Do you?

Audio Description (AD) is a free TV service available on over 70 channels for people who have difficulty seeing what is happening on the screen. Like a narrator telling a story, an additional commentary describes body language, expressions and movements - allowing you to hear what you might not be able to see, so you don't miss a thing.

Audio Description: making the story clearer

To find out more about AD visit www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/ifi/tech/audiodescription

Ofcom is supporting the AD Awareness Campaign 1 Feb – 14 March 2008

 

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