Local Radio Stations

HC Deb 13 June 1968 vol 766 cc418-21

9. Mr. Berry

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is satisfied with the progress of the experiment of six local radio stations; and if he will make a statement.

10. Mr. Hunt

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the current difficulties of local radio stations, he will now reconsider his refusal to allow the Greater London Council to introduce a commercial radio service for Londoners.

21. Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a further statement on the progress in connection with the experiment on local sound broadcasting.

43. Mr. Wellbeloved

asked the Postmaster-General if he will consider allowing the use of medium wavebands for local radio; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mason

Six stations are already broadcasting. The Leeds station will open on 24th June and the Durham station on 3rd July. I think we should give the stations a fair chance to show what they can do and not prejudge the experiment or extend it to include commercial radio stations. Moreover, successive Governments have taken the view that the conduct of, and responsibility for, broadcasting services should be vested in public corporations operating at the national level. The use of medium wavelengths for a general service of local radio is impracticable. Only a few stations able to operate after nightfall—when interference is much worse—as well as by day, could be accommodated on the wavelengths available to the United Kingdom under international agreement. The use of VHF is not limited in this way.

Mr. Berry

As regards the six existing stations, can the Postmaster-General say how much of the charges for them fall on the local ratepayers concerned and tell the House how many ratepayers listen to the stations?

Mr. Mason

Without notice, I cannot give those specific details. But it is a little too early to pressure either the B.B.C. or the local authorities from whence these stations are broadcasting. I think that we ought to give them time to see how they grow and how best they are financed.

Mr. Hunt

Is it not a fact that the G.L.C. is satisfied that commercial radio is workable in London and would produce a substantial income which could be used to provide concert halls and other amenities? Is not the Government's obvious objection to this project sadly reminiscent of the Labour Party's attitude to commercial television?

Mr. Mason

The hon. Gentleman is quite wrong. Of course, the G.L.C. would like to go on to 202 metres. If that was agreed upon, at the moment we could only have 10 stations in the United Kingdom. On our present policy, if we wished to expand, we could have at least 100.

Mr. Wellbeloved

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some advocates of commercial radio have claimed that the medium wave could be used extensively for it? Will he ensure that his statement to the effect that that is not the case is given widest publicity in order to put down the misleading statements which have been made about it?

Mr. Mason

My hon. Friend is quite right. It is not possible to change the wave-length and go over to what they demand, which is 202 metres. As I have said, if that were done only 10 would be able to operate.

Mr. Cant

Speaking as an hon. Member for one of the cities privileged to have local radio, might I ask my right hon. Friend if he is aware that we have introduced a highly efficient technical product without a marketing budget? Would he make funds available locally to advertise the services in local newspapers so that we can have an effective take-off?

Mr. Mason

That would have to be considered at the appropriate time. I think that we have to operate them for 12 months and then look at them in retrospect.

Mr. Bryan

How much has the B.B.C. so far had to pay out of licensing income towards the running of these stations?

Mr. Mason

The average payment for each station is £35,000 from the B.B.C. In some of the areas concerned, there may be a shortfall at the moment, but I could not say what the B.B.C. has had to do in total to keep stations going because local revenue has not been forthcoming.

Mr. Moyle

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if the G.L.C. scheme is approved it will take away advertising from the local Press and thus reduce the number of democratic channels of communication open to Londoners?

Mr. Mason

My hon. Friend can rest assured that Government policy is not to allow local commercial radio stations.

Sir E. Bullus

Is it not already apparent that the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor gave the B.B.C. an almost impossible task? Was it not always obvious that the money would not be forthcoming? Would the right hon. Gentleman be more forthcoming on this?

Mr. Mason

I do not agree. In some instances the revenue is forthcoming locally and, after we have had time to assess them fully, it may be that two or three of them will be able to raise sufficient: finance and make local broadcasting a. viable proposition for the future.

Mr. Roebuck

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the proposals of the G.L.C. are viewed with great apprehension by the National Union of Journalists and the proprietors of weekly newspapers in the Greater London Area? Is he acquainted with the view that these proposals would result in a reduction in the number of weekly newspapers in the area? What reply, if any, has he sent to any representations which he may have received on this subject?

Mr. Mason

I am aware of the feelings of the provincial newspapers, and it is fully realised that if local commercial radio began on any scale at all it would knock the provincial newspapers sideways.