§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether she has carried out a regulatory impact analysis of the effect of the proposed changes in the Communications Bill, with specific regard to the introduction of access radio; and what assessment she has made of the impact on existing local commercial radio stations, if(a) access radio is fully funded out of the public purse and (b) access radio is allowed to raise revenue through selling advertising slots. [84818]
§ Dr. HowellsAccess radio formed part of the Draft Communications Regulatory Impact Assessment published in May for consultation.
The Radio Authority are currently undertaking a pilot study of a number of access radio stations. The purpose of the study is to establish whether access radio is viable and how it might be licensed, regulated, funded, promoted and organised. The Radio Authority evaluation will also seek to assess the possible impact on the commercial radio sector. The completed evaluation is expected to be published next February.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) how she intends to regulate the activities of access radio; and if she will make a statement; [84861]
(2) what assessment she has made of the impact of access radio on the ability of local commercial radio stations to attract funding by carrying advertising; [84860]
(3) how she expects access radio will be funded; and if she will make a statement. [84859]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 2 December 2002]: The Radio Authority are currently undertaking a pilot study of a number of access radio stations. The purpose of the study is to establish whether access radio is viable and how it might be licensed, regulated, funded, promoted and organised. The Radio Authority evaluation will also seek to assess the possible impact on the commercial radio sector. The completed evaluation is expected to be published next February.