Note Of The Seventh Meeting Of The Ofcom Community Radio Fund Panel Held At Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London On Wednesday 26 September 2007

Chairman’s Introduction

1. The Chairman welcomed the Radio Team and other colleagues to the Panel meeting.

Minutes of the Meeting held on 20 June 2007

2. The Minutes of the previous Meeting held on 20 June 2007, previously circulated to the Committee, were agreed as an accurate record.

Matters Arising

3. It was noted that following legal advice on the procedure to be followed, for the consideration of applications where recipients proposed to alter the purpose for which a grant was paid, it had been agreed that colleagues would consider on a case by case basis and refer to the Chair if necessary.

4. It was noted that the statement explaining the key factors which led the Panel to its decisions to award the grants, and details of these awards, had been published.

5. It was noted that one of the unsuccessful applications had approached Ofcom for more feedback. It was noted that general bullet point feedback had been given to all unsuccessful applicants. Members gave consideration to whether Ofcom should provide more detailed feedback, and it was agreed that due to the requirement to keep administration costs of the Fund to a minimum, this would not be advisable.

6. It was noted that the Chairman had approved the Committee’s response to the Community Radio proposals contained within Ofcom’s Future of Radio consultation.

7. Members were updated in relation to two outstanding grant reports.

8. It was noted that as agreed the Fund’s Annual Report to DCMS was amended by colleagues and approved by the Chair by 12 July 2007.

9. It was noted that an article outlining the grants process had been drafted and agreed by the Chairman.

10. There were no further matters arising.

Community Radio Fund: Future of the Fund

11. The Panel noted the content of a letter from the then Minister for creative Industries and Tourism regarding the future of the Community Radio Fund.

12. Members discussed options for the Fund, as requested in the letter from the DCMS, as well as fund raising in general. It was agreed that a response to the letter would be drafted to include the views of the Panel.

13. It was agreed that a draft response would be circulated to Members for comment. It was also agreed that the authority for signing off the draft letter would be delegated by the Panel to the Chair.

Any Other Business

14. In relation to the decision at an earlier meeting, that any stations which submit an application for consideration in the second round for 2007/08 should have commenced broadcasting before the next Panel meeting, it was requested that consideration be given as to whether a general rule could be agreed on this principle.

Date of Next Meeting

15. It was noted that the next meeting was due to be held on Wednesday 30 January 2008.