The Broadcasting Act 1996 sets out the statutory framework for the renewal of radio multiplex licences, including the timetable within which the holder of a radio multiplex licence is able to apply for renewal, and the circumstances in which a renewal can be granted.
This statement follows on from the public consultation we published on 2 July 2010 entitled Radio Multiplex Licence Renewals. The consultation set out our proposals on the decisions we are required to make when renewing radio multiplex licences, and asked stakeholders for their views. We received 13 responses to the consultation, three of which were confidential.
This statement sets out the proposals we made in the consultation, the responses we received, and the decisions we have made taking these responses into account. It concludes by setting out details of the radio multiplex licence renewal application process, and the next steps we intend to take in the process.
Having taken into account all the responses, and for the reasons set out in the consultation document, we can now confirm that we will not set any additional coverage obligations that the holder of the national radio multiplex licence, Digital One, must meet as part of the licence renewal process beyond the level of coverage it currently provides. However, we will require Digital One to submit a new technical plan which shows how its current levels of coverage are provided and will continue to be provided throughout the period of the renewed licence at the provisionally-agreed new field strengths. We will then amend Digital Ones licence to make clear that at least the current levels of coverage must continue to be provided throughout the period of the renewed licence.
We have also decided that we will not impose any new obligations on Digital One regarding the promotion of DAB take-up as part of the licence renewal process, and that we will not require Digital One to pay a percentage of multiplex revenue (PMR).
In respect of local radio multiplex licences, we have decided that in general we will not set any additional coverage obligations for local radio multiplex licensees as part of the licence renewal process. However, in line with our decision in respect of the national radio multiplex licence, as part of the licence renewal process we will require each local radio multiplex licensee to submit a new technical plan which shows how its current levels of coverage are provided at the provisionally-agreed new field strengths, and, if relevant, how it will enhance coverage in line with any commitments made in its original application or, with any subsequent plans we are aware of (e.g. in respect of the three Greater London multiplexes). We will then amend each local radio multiplex licence to make clear that at least the current levels of coverage (or more, if relevant) must continue to be provided throughout the period of the renewed licence.
Finally, we set out our position on some other issues raised by respondents (such as our policy on AIP, and the timing of licence renewals), and explain the radio multiplex licence renewal process.