We propose to maintain these arrangements. There remains for the next few years a significant task in continuing to license new analogue local radio services, and in rolling out local digital radio multiplexes. The local nature of independent radio must be maintained, but format controls will be lightened. We propose to maintain the requirement for independent national radio to have one predominantly speech station and one non-pop music station, but no other format controls nationally. Local radio is subject to some limited positive obligations, notably the requirement in current legislation effectively to secure the local character of a service, which we shall retain.
Licensees already have some flexibility to adapt local radio programme formats.
But we accept the case for some further relaxation to make it easier to respond to local audience expectations and demand, and will seek to allow this in the forthcoming legislation.