Global Radio Holdings Ltd is the holder of an FM commercial radio licence for the Birmingham area, under which it provides the Capital FM Birmingham service.
Ofcom has received a request from Global Radio Holdings Ltd. to change the Format of Capital FM Birmingham. The Format describes the type of programme service which is required to be provided, and forms part of the station's licence.
Capital FM Birmingham's Format includes requirements to provide "a rhythmic-based music and information station primarily for listeners of African or Afro-Caribbean origin, but with cross-over appeal to young white fans of urban contemporary black music and at least 26 hours a week of identifiable specialist music programmes (to include reggae, RnB and hip hop rhythmic-based (e.g. dance, club etc.))". Global Radio Holdings Ltd's request is to replace these requirements with the following new requirements: "a rhythmic-based music-led service for 15-29 year-olds supplemented with news, information and entertainment. The service should have particular appeal for listeners in their 20s and at least 12 hours a week of identifiable specialist music programmes". These proposed changes would align the music output of Capital FM Birmingham with other Capital FM services elsewhere in the UK, although Capital FM Birmingham would still be required to broadcast locally-made programmes for at least seven hours each weekday daytime (including breakfast) and four hours on each of Saturday and Sunday.
Capital FM Birmingham has already elected to commit to providing an enhanced local news service in return for being allowed to broadcast a greater number of networked hours. Ofcom's localness guidelines set out how this provision should manifest itself. There is no proposal to change from this commitment.
A request for a Format change can be approved only if it satisfies at least one of the five criteria set out in section 106(1A) of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (as amended). The criteria are set out in full in Section 2 of this document.
Ofcom does not consider that Global Radio Holdings Ltds request satisfies section 106(1A)(a) that the change would not substantially alter the character of service. As a result, we are required by statute to consult on this request.
We seek views on this request, having particular regard to the criteria set out in section 106(1A)(b) to (d) of the Broadcasting Act 1990. The consultation question may be found in Annex 4.