Will we see an end of Community Radio?
Following a visit to Penwith Radio Station I have to question the sense of the government timetable to complete a switchover to all digital radio broadcasting by 2015. The proposed 2015 switchover would threaten the viability of popular local broadcasters in Cornwall such as Pirate FM, Atlantic FM and Penwith Community Radio serving West Cornwall. The Conservative Party does not believe that audiences will all be ready for the switchover by 2015 and have tabled amendments to the digital switchover bill which would allow local stations to be consulted before a date for the switchover is settled.
Households, struggling to make ends meet, do not need the added expense of equipping themselves for a new broadcasting system. The needs of analogue listeners must be taken into account when determining the timing of the switchover. Unless and until digital can demonstrate significantly higher listening hours over analogue, no change should be planned which will undermine much loved local and community radio services.
As a Penwith District Councillor I fully supported the setting up of Penwith Radio and the community radio received pump-priming funding from the former district council.
The radio performs an important role by sharing information and bringing aspects of local life into people’s homes. I am now seeking clarity from Ofcom, the organisation that awards FM licenses. All those involved in the station need to know when the next round of Community Radio licenses will be awarded and whether this will include community stations in the South West. This license will give far more people access to the service and increase the opportunity for Penwith Radio Station to attract more local sponsorship