The next phase of commercial radio deregulation is in full swing with the DCMS making commencement regulations for Part 5 of the Media Act 2024 just over a week ago, immediately removing requirements from analogue commercial licences relating to music formats and locally-made programming.
It means operators are now free to drastically change any commercial FM station's music policy without the need to seek permission from Ofcom, and these licences can network 24/7 if they so wish (assuming existing local news provision requirements are upheld).
Bauer was quick to announce it is axing regional afternoon programming across the Greatest Hits Radio network from early next month, as well as on Hits Radio Bristol and Hits Radio South Coast.
Contrary to popular belief, lobbying for deregulation was never driven by a blanket desire to do the bare minimum - it was about giving private operators the freedom to take a fully market-led approach with programming decisions and compete with lesser-regulated media.
Presenters, producers and other colleagues affected by changes across the country were given opportunities for a reason, and at least nothing can take away those transferrable skills.
Every job loss represents a human being and I send my best wishes to them all.
As with previous phases of deregulation, groups will be weighing up the return on investment in local / regional programming with the ability to make savings, streamline their businesses and invest in bigger talent. These will be considered decisions.
You wouldn't go for the bare minimum if the risk of losing audience and advertisers outweighs the benefits.
Part 5 also includes a consultation on new local news and information requirements for analogue licences (while retaining current requirements in the meantime) and ending the need for DAB mux operators to seek Ofcom's permission before adding or removing services.
Of all the topics I have written about over the years, commercial radio deregulation has warranted the most articles - so I have put them all in a specific category here!
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