Radio Authority Tells Broadcasters To Keep News Local

The Radio Authority has ruled that broadcasters will have to keep news production local to prevent the creation of centralised news hubs.

Following a three-month consultation period, the radio watchdog has decided not to lift an industry-wide rule specifying that independent local radio news has to be produced and presented locally.

The Authority concluded that plans for news-sharing operations should be considered on a case by case basis, but ruled that news should continue to be produced from within a station’s measured coverage area to prevent standards falling.

Commenting on the decision, Richard Hooper, chairman of the Radio Authority, said: “We are unwilling to allow news services outside a station’s measured coverage areas to take over local news roles to any greater degree that would be expected from normal news networking and sharing.”

The decision also reflects the Radio Authority’s reluctance to tie the new super-regulator Ofcom to a new set of rules. Hooper added: “We know Ofcom is to be given duty in respect of local content in the draft Communications Bill and felt it would not be appropriate to bind our successor at this time of transition.”

The consultation was carried out in response to calls from broadcasters for the liberalisation of the current rules governing local news production. This would allow the creation of regional news hubs, which are being viewed as a way to cut costs.

Radio Authority: 020 7430 2724 www.radioauthority.org.uk

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