Written question asked by George Osborne (Conservative) on Thursday, 17 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 October 2002. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 31 October 2002 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 she will make a statement on her assessment of the impact of the Communications Bill on the independent radio industry.

Answer: Mr. George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on her assessment of the impact of the Communications Bill on the independent radio industry. [76428] Dr. Howells: Our general approach to the radio industry, and to communications markets in general, is deregulatory. Format controls and ownership restrictions will both be relaxed. However, we recognise the importance of maintaining the distinctive local basis of commercial radio. We therefore propose to retain key local ownership rules, and to give Ofcom a duty to protect and promote local content.

Secondary information