§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) if the Radio Authority has reported to her about the implications of the takeover of London News Radio as it relates to the franchise originally awarded and the quality and source of news gathering and output; and if she will make a statement; [21019]
(2) if the consortium purchasing London News Radio has presented a programme plan in accordance with the terms of the station's existing franchise; and if she will make a statement. [21048]
§ Mr. SproatMy Department does not receive programme plans for radio services or reports on their day-to-day performances, since the award and regulation of licences for independent local radio services are solely matters for the Radio Authority.
129WThe Broadcasting Act 1990, however, requires any person acquiring ownership of a licence to comply with the programming proposals included as conditions of the licence when it was awarded, except to the extent that the authority consents to any alteration within the parameters of section 106 of the Act. I understand that the authority has not received any recent proposals for altering the licensed programming of London News Radio and that it is content that the service is currently meeting its licence obligations.