HC Deb 23 April 2001 vol 367 cc17-8W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when a decision will be announced on the renewal of the licence of Premier Christian Radio. [158410]

Janet Anderson

The Radio Authority must ensure that licences are re-advertised adequately ahead of the expiry dates to minimise the risk of any gap in the service to listeners. It announced in October last year that it will advertise at the same time those London-wide services on AM which will not receive automatic renewal as a consequence of their commitment to provide digital radio services on relevant multiplexes. That will either mean advertisement in September 2001 with an award made in the Spring of 2002, or advertisement in March 2002 with an award that autumn, depending on the outcome of applications for a digital multiplex licence which are currently before the Authority. I will let my hon. Friend know which timetable will apply, once this contingent licence award is decided, probably in June of this year.