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Written question asked by Chi Onwurah (Labour) on Thursday, 11 June 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2020. It was answered by John Whittingdale (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 June 2020 on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Local Broadcasting: Radio

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the effect on (a) jobs in the creative industries and (b) representation of northern voices on radio in the North East of Bauer medias takeover of local radio stations.

Answer

Whilst no such assessment has been made, we note Bauer Media’s existing presence in the North East, through its ownership of Metro Radio and TFM, which were acquired by Bauer in 2008.

The government places a very high value on local commercial radio stations retaining their local character, and Ofcom retains its regulatory powers to secure that these stations continue to provide an appropriate amount of locally made programmes and programmes including local material. Ofcom's localness guidelines can be found here: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/information-for-industry/radio-broadcasters/localness.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
58706
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Arts Employment Radio Local broadcasting Bauer Media North of England
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk