Radio Authority announces closure of its reading room

113/03

28 October 2003

CROSS MEDIA PUBLIC INTEREST TEST FOR 107.4 TELFORD FM

THE RADIO AUTHORITY INVITES COMMENTS

The Radio Authority has recently been notified by Shropshire Newspapers Ltd that it is proposing to acquire a controlling interest in Telford Radio Limited. Telford Radio Limited broadcasts 107.4 Telford FM, the local radio station in the Telford area.

Shropshire Newspapers Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Midlands News Association Ltd which publishes several local newspapers in the Telford area, including the Shropshire Star, the Telford Journal, the Newport & Market Drayton Advertiser, the Bridgnorth Journal and the Shropshire Magazine.

Under broadcasting law a company cannot run a local newspaper and a local radio station in the same area unless the Authority determines that the arrangement would not be against the public interest.

The Authority is minded to make a positive determination in relation to the proposed acquisition in line with the Authority's published policy, as this acquisition would comply with the ownership rules proposed under the Communications Act 2003. However, before making a final determination the Authority is seeking comments on the following matters:

would Shropshire Newspapers Ltd's holding of a controlling interest in 107.4 Telford FM lead to a reduction in plurality of ownership in the broadcasting and newspaper industries in the area concerned, and if so would that reduction be against the public interest?

will there be less diversity in the sources of information available, or

less diversity in the sources of the opinions expressed on the radio or in newspapers?

will there be any particular economic benefits that could not be expected to result if 107.4 Telford FM were controlled by a company not connected to a newspaper?

how will the arrangements affect any aspects of the newspaper or radio markets in the area?

Midlands News Association Ltd's cross media public interest test submission is available for viewing at the Radio Authority's offices in London by appointment. Please contact the Press Office for details. A copy of the submission is also available for viewing at Telford Library, St Quinton Gate, Telford. Comments on these matters should be made in writing to the Legal and Licensing Officer, The Radio Authority, Holbrook House, 14 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5DG to arrive by 10 November 2003.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Radio Authority is responsible for licensing and regulating Independent Radio in accordance with the statutory requirements of the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996. It plans frequencies, awards licences, regulates programming and advertising, and plays an active role in the discussion and formulation of policies which affect the Independent Radio industry and its listeners.

At the end of this year, the Radio Authority will cease to exist, and its responsibilities for licensing and regulating Independent Radio will pass to Ofcom, the new converged regulator for the communications sector. See the Ofcom transitional website at www.ofcom.org.uk for more details.

Contact:
Press enquiries:
Tel: 020 7887 4292
Public enquiries:
Tel: 020 7887 4290

Revised: October 27, 2003