Sunrise Radio Ltd, owners of Easy 1035 AM, which broadcasts countryflavoured music output to Greater London, wishes to change the character of the service to provide KATR (Kismat Asian Talk Radio). They propose a station which broadcasts a minimum of 55% speech during daytime, and a third outside daytime. The music they plan to play would emphasise Ghazals and Qawaalis and Asian gold and hits.
Ofcom has the capacity to consent to such a change under conditions included in Easy 1035 AM's licence, in accordance with Sections 106 (1A) and (1B) of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (Appendix 1), if it is satisfied that:
- the change would not narrow the range of programmes available by way of relevant independent radio services in Greater London; or
- the change would be conducive to the maintenance or promotion of fair and effective competition in Greater London; or
- there is evidence that, amongst persons living in Greater London, there is significant demand for, or significant support for, the change.
Before deciding whether to consent to this change, Ofcom is required under section 106ZA of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (also Appendix 3) to consult (a minimum of 28 days) those likely to be affected. This consultation is therefore seeking views on the proposal to change the character of the Easy 1035 AM service.