FORMATS

Please read the following context and agreement

Formats have replaced the Promise of Performance as one of the main tools by which a radio station’s character of service is set and monitored.

Stations are monitored and regulated to a large degree by the spirit of the output rather than using mathematical equations. One of the criticisms of the old Promises was that there were too many percentages involved and, although many Formats do still include percentages, regulation will be carried out using programming principles rather than calculators.

The Radio Authority is a light-touch regulator and the Format can be regarded as the signpost for a station direction, leaving sensible flexibility for commercial decisions to be taken. We prefer to regulate with ears rather than slide-rules!

Formats are part of a regulatory regime which allows radio stations to move more freely within the boundaries created at the time of licence award, and to feel comfortable making programme changes within those boundaries. For example, Bank Holiday or special event programming changes had, under the Promise of Performance, to receive special sanction. Now, as long as the programming is still aimed at the target audience, such programming is seen as a boon to the listener.

Within the Formats are some phrases such as “full news programme” and “hits from across the years” which we know can be interpreted in different ways by different people. Our interpretation will be shaped by a variety of matters, including the overall performance of the particular station, contact with station management, technical considerations as well as the wording of the station Format. 

Formats can be changed by agreement with the Radio Authority if the changes do not fall foul of the Broadcasting Act 1990. They are in place to ensure stations fulfil their remit to the listener. 

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