Written question asked by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 27 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 December 2003. It was answered by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Thursday, 4 December 2003 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 measures her Department has put in place to safeguard children's radio; and if she will make a statement; what discussions her Department has held with (a) the BBC, (b) commercial broadcasters and (c) other bodies on the establishment of a designated children's digital radio channel.

Answer: Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what measures her Department has put in place to safeguard children's radio; and if she will make a statement; [141406] (2) what discussions her Department has held with (a) the BBC, (b) commercial broadcasters and (c) other bodies on the establishment of a designated children's digital radio channel. [141407] Estelle Morris: The licensing of commercial radio services is a matter for the Radio Authority and, from 29 December, Ofcom. This Department has therefore had no discussions about establishing a designated children's radio channel. The authority as already licensed a number of digital radio services for children and one of the community radio pilot services is a children's service. In the case of the BBC, Charter Review will provide the occasion for an examination of all aspects of the Corporation's activities, including its role in relation to children and young people.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 415 c163W; 141406;141407
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Children Digital broadcasting Commercial broadcasting Radio Radio Authority
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk