I absolutely agree. One issue at the moment is that if a community radio station is looking to serve a small community, that might be viable via FM but the jump to DAB is impossible owing to the current licensing structure and the revenues that it would have to produce. Even in a rural setting, the station might have to cover a nearby city to make the move to DAB worthwhile, which can take away from the special element of community radio. The Bill aims to provide more communities and areas with a practical, rather than theoretical, way of getting a digital radio station. Many rural areas would be unable to generate the type of revenue necessary to support such a move and, to be blunt, many people in the theoretical listening area might not want to listen.
Broadcasting (Radio Multiplex Services) Bill
Proceeding contribution from
Kevin Foster
(Conservative)
in the House of Commons on Friday, 13 January 2017.
It occurred during Debate on bills on Broadcasting (Radio Multiplex Services) Bill.
About this proceeding contribution
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2016-17Chamber / Committee
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