Huw Merriman MP, has welcomed the boost for local radio stations broadcasting in the Bexhill and Battle constituency through the Government’s Media Bill.
Technology has revolutionised the way people enjoy British radio, with more and more people using smart speakers.
That is why the Government has introduced the Media Bill – ensuring audiences can more easily access and enjoy quality British radio content like for generations to come.
The Media Bill will ensure that UK radio stations are not charged by smart speaker platforms for the provision of their live services to listeners, so that listeners can continue to access the local and national stations they love.
The Bill will also cut red tape, making it easier for local radio stations to apply for licences, and for Ofcom to grant them, but at the same time ensuring that the core public service function of radio - the provision of important local news and information - is protected.
Commenting, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:
“I know how popular our radio stations are across the country, and I want to make sure that listeners can access them for years to come.
“The Media Bill will cut red tape for radio and make them easier to find on smart speakers - ensuring we can all continue to tune in to relax, dance, and laugh to our favourite stations.”
Commenting, Huw Merriman said:
“As a keen listener to local and national radio, I am pleased that the Government’s Media Bill is backing it to succeed. During times like Storm Eunice last year, it really brought home what an important service local radio stations provide when other forms of communication are temporarily lost. I am a big champion of radio, and especially local radio. We have some fantastic local radio station in the Bexhill and Battle constituency enhancing our lives with news, chat, music, debate, traffic reports and just good fun. They are diverse and inclusive and play a great role supporting and championing local communities which TV can never replace.
“Whether it is making it easier to find local radio stations via smart speakers or cutting red tape to support it - these long-term changes will make sure listeners can continue to access their favourite stations.”
