Diversity In Radio

EDM number 572 in 1996-97, proposed by Kate Hoey on 24/02/1997.

That this House notes the award of the new independent radio licence in the FM (VHF) waveband for Greater London to X FM Ltd., and that Choice FM's bid has been passed over for a third time; notes the Radio Authority Chairman's statement that making this award was among the Authority's most difficult tasks; regrets the inability of the Radio Authority to promote true diversity in local radio broadcasting, due to the unsatisfactory provisions of the Broadcasting Acts; is mindful of the great variety of styles of music developed by this country's successful music industry; wishes to stimulate the further development of music and broadcasting talent for cultural, social and economic reasons; welcomes the benefits of ethnic and cultural diversity and recognises the need to further promote this country's diverse heritage and culture; notes in particular that the British phonographic industry's classifications of dance, soul and reggae music appeal to young people, and other listeners from a wide range of backgrounds, not simply black youth; notes with concern the inevitable tendency amongst regulators to go for the safe option offered by the big battalions rather than taking decisions which would promote the interests of small and medium firms which are the seedbed of innovation in broadcasting and many other business and cultural activities; and calls upon the Secretary of State for National Heritage to review the provisions of the Broadcasting Acts, in particular section 105 of the Broadcasting Act 1990 so that the radio spectrum is used to the full in promoting diversity in all its forms.

This motion has been signed by a total of 14 MPs.