Written question asked by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 June 1998. It was answered by Mark Fisher (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 June 1998 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what powers (a) his Department and (b) the Radio Authority have to intervene in the take-over of one or more of the three companies holding independent national radio licences. - Including ref to Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996. (Holding answer 16 June 1998).

Answer: Mr. Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what powers (a) his Department and (b) the Radio Authority have to intervene in the take-over of one or more of the three companies holding independent national radio licences; and if he will make a statement. [46273] Mr. Fisher: [holding answer 16 June 1998]: The Radio Authority is solely responsible for licencing independent radio services in the UK. The Authority enforces the strict limits on the holding of national analogue radio licences by companies active in other sectors of the media, and the other restrictions on the holding of licences set by the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996. It may refuse to issue a national radio licence and has powers to rescind licences already issued.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 314 c238W; 46273
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Broadcasting Licensing Ownership Radio Radio Authority Takeovers Department for Culture, Media and Sport