MP Stephen Crabb Complete support behind Pure West Radio and advocates FM License

MP Stephen Crabb Complete support behind Pure West Radio and advocates FM License

MP Stephen Crabb Complete support behind Pure West Radio and advocates FM License
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Welsh Affairs Committee Chair, Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP, said:
“Broadcasting in Wales is a remarkable success story, and has played an important role in shaping Welsh national life over the last century and reinforcing modern Welsh identity. We have a thriving ecosystem of creative talent and successful production companies across Wales which supports jobs and adds real economic value. But we are concerned that public service broadcasters are too slow to adapt to the currents of the global broadcasting revolution, and regulation is too weak to ensure a level playing field with the new global streaming giants.
“The UK Government must address this disparity as a matter of urgency and bring forward the long-awaited Media Bill to ensure new prominence rules can protect the PSBs. But the PSBs themselves need to step up and improve the way they present Welsh content on their own digital platforms.
“Sport in Wales faces acute financial challenges, and we recognise the tension that exists between maximising television audiences through free-to-air broadcasting and maximising the revenue available from going behind a paywall. But it is the strong view of the committee that our national teams should be available to watch free-to-air. For Welsh rugby, which is fighting to rediscover its soul and reverse the decline in grassroots participation, this is especially important. The Six Nations competition must remain free-to-air.”
“Radio listening in Wales remains strong, with just under nine in ten adults tuning in each week. But we cannot ignore the fact that the sector is undergoing a process of change. Deregulation of the commercial radio sector has allowed local stations to be absorbed into larger corporations, with a loss of local identity and coverage along the way. This means genuinely local events and news are just not getting air time like they used to.
“Our report set out how we can support the new generation of digital community radio stations that have emerged to fill the gap and meet the needs of local people. Pure West is a good example of this. One way to help them really grow is for Ofcom to resume issuing FM licences. While some have been offered DAB licences, Wales is trailing behind the rest of the UK in making the switch to digital radio transmission so FM remains a very popular way for people to listen to the radio. I hope Ofcom responds positively to our recommendations.”
PWR Station Manager, Toby Ellis, who was in Parliament on St. Davids Day, March 1st, this year, giving evidence to the committee said,
"I am really pleased with the announcement, and I hope Ofcom will take the recommendation seriously and allow PWR to apply for an FM licence and allow other locally based stations in similar situations."

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