Media UK

An introduction to radio in the UK

Introduction

Radio in the UK is provided by the BBC and commercial radio companies, and is broadcast by AM and FM, and a variety of digital platforms.

The past ten years have seen a significant growth in the number of radio stations in the UK, with over a hundred new analogue (MW and FM) stations coming on air.

¹ excludes double-counting of stations simulcasting on more than one platform or waveband

² There are 272 analogue licences, but five of the licences each broadcast two separate services (Trent FM / Ram FM, Chiltern Luton / Chiltern Bedford, Ocean FM / Power FM, Wirral’s Buzz 97.1 / MFM 103.4, Radio Carmarthenshire / Scarlet FM)

Of the 159 local digital commercial radio stations on DAB digital radio, 17 are only on digital and 14 broadcast existing local analogue services to new areas.

In addition to DAB, there are 85 digital radio stations on digital satellite television and 30 digital radio stations on digital terrestrial television. There are also currently 192 applications being considered by Ofcom for long-term Community analogue radio services a permanent basis.

The BBC

The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is perhaps the most famous radio broadcaster in the world. Its five national networks (Radios 1,2,3,4 and 5-Live), five digital national networks (Asian Network, 6music, BBC7, 5-Live Sports Extra, 1Xtra), combined with its three ‘nations’ services (Radio Scotland, Ulster and Wales), its two National Language services BBC Cymru and BBC Radio nan Gaidheal, and 43 local radio stations in England, make up over 50% of all radio listening. The BBC’s domestic radio services are funded by the television licence, which is (February 2005) charged at £121 (€175, $229) per year. The BBC does not broadcast paid-for advertising, but promotes its own services using similar methods.

The BBC World Service is funded by the Foreign Office and is, like the rest of the BBC, editorially independent. Certain BBC World Service broadcasts are available in the UK. The English service is carried on all digital platforms and is also audible in South East England on 648MW. A mix of other language broadcasts including Arabic and Persian are carried on digital satellite. Programming is centred on global news reporting and analysis with documentaries, science, arts and drama - all aiming to foster a global conversation.

Independent/Commercial Radio

Commercial radio stations, as the name suggests, are funded by the sale of advertising, promotions and sponsorship. There are three national services (INRs - Classic FM, Virgin Radio and Talk Sport), fifteen ‘regional’ services (IRRs - generally covering three major cities) and more than 240 local services (ILRs). In general, most cities have at least one FM service and one AM service, although major cities (London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow) have a wider choice of commercial listening. Independent local radio usually serves a smaller area than BBC local radio. Licences are normally renewed every eight years, with existing stations having to bid for their licence (in terms of programme quality, content, and a full business plan) against new competitors. All commercial radio stations in the UK are regulated by Ofcom.

Finally, there are over 400 temporary radio stations per year. Temporary radio stations, referred to as Restricted Service Licences ("RSLs") by Ofcom, are used for three main purposes - "Events" such as the Glastonbury Festival and student stations for Freshers' Fairs and the like; "Long Term" as for football clubs' Match Day broadcasts; and "Trials" - used by potential licence applicants. An RSL station can usually only broadcast for a maximum of 28 days on two occasions per year, with 4 clear months between broadcasts. For certain ethnic festivals and events the licence period can be as much as 32 days.

Aso see

• Differences between the UK and the USA

Related links

• Radio.About.com (http://radio.about.com)