Summary
1.1 UBC Media Group Plc, owners of the Classic Gold stations on the AM frequency wish to regionalise presentation across part of their network. Currently, the 18 Classic Gold stations serve the licence areas as set out in each individual station Format.
1.2 UBC propose ‘regionalising’ 13 of their 18 stations by creating clusters of two or three stations based on geographical location. For example, West – Bristol and Swindon … Anglia – Ipswich and Norwich … and so on. Five Classic Gold stations are to remain stand alone and unaffected by these proposals.
1.3 In addition, UBC are requesting a change to all Classic Gold formats that will allow them to broadcast their four-hour local show at any time during “weekday daytime”. Currently all requirements for locally produced/presented output must be during ‘peaktime’, generally understood to be ‘breakfast’ or ‘drivetime’.
1.4 Ofcom has the ability to consent to such changes under conditions included in the Classic Gold licences, in accordance with Sections 106 (1A) and (1B) of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (Annex 4) is it is satisfied that:
- That the departure would not substantially alter the character of the service
- The change would not narrow the range of programmes available by way of relevant independent radio services
- The change would be conducive to the maintenance or promotion of fair and effective competition
- There is evidence that, amongst persons living in the affected areas, there is a significant demand for, or significant support for, the change
1.5 Before deciding whether to consent to this change, Ofcom is required under Section 106ZA of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (also Annex 4) to consult (a minimum of 28 days) those likely to be affected. This consultation is therefore seeking views on the proposed substantial Format changes to the Classic Gold services.
1.6 This consultation will also seek views on how Ofcom should approach requests for change on AM stations generally.
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