§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what changes there have been in audience figures for Radios 1, 2, 3 and 4 since the decision was taken to change their broadcasting frequency from medium wave and long wave to FM only.
§ Mr. MellorIn January 1988, the Government announced that the medium wave frequencies used by BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 3 would be made available for new services licensed by the Radio Authority. Radio 3 began broadcasting on FM only on 29 February 1992. Radio 1 and Radio 4 continue on AM and FM. The BBC decided to introduce BBC Radio 5, on the AM frequencies previously used by Radio 2, in August 1990.
I understand from the BBC that the average weekly reach for their national radio services were:
Percentages 1987 11992 Radio 1 30 28 Radio 2 22 13 Radio 3 5 4 Radio 4 15 15 Radio 5 — 5 1 1st quarter. Since 1987, many new independent radio services have been opened.
571W
§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage whether he will allow the BBC to recommence simultaneous broadcasting on the FM and medium wave frequencies.
§ Mr. MellorNo. In general, broadcasting the same programme in one area on two frequencies is a wasteful use of the radio spectrum. The BBC decided to keep its FM frequencies, which are suitable for stereo sound broadcasting. The Radio Authority is using AM frequencies to extend listener choice.
§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations he has received concerning the quality of reception of Radios 1, 2, 3, and 4.
§ Mr. MellorI have received three letters from Members of Parliament and four letters from members of the public about the quality of reception for BBC Radio 1, 2, 3, and 4. This is, of course, primarily a matter for the BBC.