BBC Proceeds with Radio 2 Nostalgia Station Despite Concerns Over Rival Impact
The BBC's revised plans for a 50s-70s music spin-off face criticism from commercial competitors, who warn of significant financial harm to independent stations like Boom Radio.
- The BBC has submitted revised proposals for a Radio 2 nostalgia spin-off station to Ofcom, focusing on music from the 1950s to 1970s and incorporating more speech-led content, news bulletins, and archive material.
- Boom Radio, a commercial station catering to older audiences, claims the BBC's new station could result in a 35% drop in its audience and render it financially unsustainable.
- Ofcom's initial review in July raised concerns about the potential market impact of the spin-off, prompting the BBC to adjust its plans, including increasing the station's budget from £420,000 to £660,000 annually.
- The BBC defends the station as unique, offering curated content, storytelling, and access to its extensive archives, while critics argue the corporation is misallocating resources as it cuts local news and other services.
- Ofcom will conduct a detailed Broadcast Competition Assessment over the next six weeks to evaluate the revised proposal's impact on competition and audiences before deciding on approval.
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