Radio Authority announces public interest test determination for proposed joint-holding of Lite AM, Wire FM and Signal FM by the Wireless Group Ltd

178/99 14 December 1999

RADIO AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES PUBLIC INTEREST TEST DETERMINATION FOR PROPOSED JOINT-HOLDING OF LITE AM, WIRE FM AND SIGNAL FM BY THE WIRELESS GROUP LTD

The Radio Authority has today (14 December) announced the outcome of its public interest test into the proposed joint-holding of 1458 Lite AM, 107.2 Wire FM and Signal FM (Stockport) by the Wireless Group Ltd. The Authority's determination is that the acquisition could not be expected to operate against the public interest subject to specific and binding conditions.

The Wireless Group Ltd’s acquisition of the Independent Radio Group Plc would result in their control of 1458 Lite AM (the Manchester AM licence), and 107.2 Wire FM (the Warrington FM licence). Since the Wireless Group already hold the licence for Signal FM in Stockport this transaction would result in the Wireless Group Ltd controlling three licences whose services share a potential audience. In such circumstances, the Authority was required to reach a positive public interest determination before the proposed acquisition could be completed.

Before reaching its determination, the Authority considered the following matters:

(a) whether any reduction in plurality of ownership of local radio services within the area concerned would result from a decision to allow the licences to be held together, and

(b) the likely effect of such a decision on -

(i) the range of programmes available by way of independent radio services to persons living in the area concerned, and

(ii) diversity in the sources of information available to the public in the area concerned and in the opinions expressed on local radio services received in that area.

The Authority took into account the submission provided by the Wireless Group Ltd and the views expressed by interested parties through its public consultation exercise.

The positive public interest determination was conditional on the Wireless Group Ltd agreeing to adhere to the requirements for local focus in the programme formats of Signal FM and Wire FM, ensuring that Lite AM is a "quality listening service" and maintaining separate newsrooms at Signal FM and Wire FM. The Wireless Group has confirmed its acceptance of these conditions.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. A copy of the Radio Authority's determination can be viewed from the link here.

2. 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.

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