Written question asked by Desmond Swayne (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 May 2001. It was answered by Janet Anderson (Labour) on Thursday, 10 May 2001 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, if Premier Christian Radio's analogue licences will automatically be renewed; and if he will make a statement. (Holding answer 8 May 2001).

Answer: Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if Premier Christian Radio's analogue licences will automatically be renewed; and if he will make a statement. [160396] Janet Anderson: [holding answer 8 May 2001]: The Radio Authority is required automatically to re-advertise, in an open competition, all analogue local licences in areas where the number of persons, aged 15 years or over, resident in the coverage areas of that service exceeds 4.5 million. The only analogue services exempted from this requirement are those who broadcast, or are committed to broadcast, on a digital multiplex in the relevant area. As Premier Christian Radio is prohibited by current legislation from holding a digital licence, its analogue licence cannot be automatically renewed. The Government are committed to bringing forward communications legislation which would remove this prohibition.

Secondary information