U.K. Proposes Radical Overhaul of Commercial Radio

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 17, 2004 - 9:07am.

London -- Ofcom, the U.K. communications and media regulator, has proposed a radical expansion of the country's commercial radio framework. Analysts say the proposal, the first of a two-part industry review, could lead to the launch of more than 100 digital radio stations and eventually the offering of services such as music downloads. Industry experts say the most radical proposal will see two blocks of spectrum -- tantamount to 20 new digital stations -- sold in an auction. Ofcom said the spectrum would be open to all bidders, including telecommunications operators wanting launch new mobile phone services. "Radio is a dynamic medium at an interesting point of development," said Ofcom CEO Stephen Carter. "These proposals seek responses to the prospect of more digital spectrum and a new approach to content regulation." The closing date for comments on the "Radio: Preparing for the Future" report is March 7, Ofcom said.
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