§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if it is his policy that multiplex digital radio should extend diversity and choice within the radio broadcasting spectrum. [114476]
§ Janet AndersonGovernment policy is to ensure plurality and diversity of national and local digital radio services, which cater for the tastes and interests of a broad cross section of the UK population, subject to constraints on spectrum available for new services. Digital radio is at an early stage of development and present spectrum allocations enable only one national multiplex for BBC services and one national commercial multiplex operated by Digital One. The Radio Authority is continuing to advertise one local digital multiplex licence a month during 2000.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the restrictions that apply to applications for digital multiplex broadcast licences extend to the provision of programme streams within the multiplex. [114475]
§ Janet AndersonThe Broadcasting Act 1990 (as amended by the Broadcasting Act 1996) disqualifies certain persons from holding licences to provide digital programme services or digital sound programme services. However, it may be possible for persons disqualified under the religious ownership rules to provide programmes for a licensee, subject to compliance with the appropriate Independent Television Commission and Radio Authority Codes.