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MP calls for radio station to be made available on FM
25/10/2024
Sean Woodcock has asked for a debate on making on-demand FM licences available
The lack availability of Banbury’s radio station for people who only have access to FM radios has been raised in the House of Commons.
Banbury FM has long campaigned for an FM broadcast licence – something that the regulator Ofcom have rejected on a number of occasions, despite other areas of the country being allowed their own local services on FM.
Banbury’s MP Sean Woodcock raised the issue during business questions in the House yesterday.
Mr Woodcock said: “Banbury FM in my constituency provides news, music and information services that are, in many ways, much better than the service provided by larger existing FM licence holders.
“Unfortunately, Ofcom’s effective veto on stations obtaining FM licences means that it – and many other independent local radio stations – are only accessible via digital platforms, depriving parts of society, especially the elderly or the isolated, access to their services.
“Will the leader commit to a debate on improving access to FM frequencies for independent radio stations and the potential for Ofcom to provide on demand licences?”
Other MPs supported the statement with calls of “hear hear”.
The Leader of the House Of Commons, the Right Honourable Lucy Powell, indicated in her reply that an official request for a debate on the subject would receive a positive response.
She said: “Local radio stations play a really important part for their local community and I’m sure if he was to apply for an adjournment debate, it would be very well attended.”
Earlier this week Ofcom indicated Banbury FM was amongst a number of stations requesting carriage on FM, but the regulator indicated they had no intention of changing their approach.
They wrote: “We have received representations from some radio station operators who have told us they would strongly prefer FM transmission to small-scale DAB. However … we believe our focus should continue to be on small scale DAB licensing, at least until the completion of Round Eight, before we consider the possibility of further FM licensing in areas where there is demand.”
Ofcom last allowed new FM licence applications in 2019, but since then they have continued to allow existing licence holders the ability to extend their coverage by adding in new transmitters in contiguous areas.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam