Better Media highlights concerns with community radio consultation

Better Media has raised urgent concerns about the consultation process for the proposed Community Radio Order.

In a letter addressed to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, and the Minister of State for Media, Stephanie Peacock MP, Better Media highlighted several critical shortcomings in the process and called for immediate action to address these issues.

The letter raises alarm over the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s decision to consult only with the Community Media Association and the UK Community Radio Network.

Better Media says these trade associations represent only a narrow range of interests in the community radio sector, excluding a diverse spectrum of unlicensed and grassroots organisations, particularly those serving minority communities.

Dr Rob Watson of Better Media told RadioToday: “The consultation process has fundamentally failed to reflect the broad and diverse voices that make up the community radio sector. By engaging solely with established trade associations, DCMS has marginalised the views of smaller, unlicensed, and minority-focused stations.

“These voices are essential to building a vibrant and inclusive media landscape.”

The letter also criticises proposals for extended 10-year licence renewals, arguing that they risk entrenching the positions of existing stations without adequate reassessment of how FM spectrum—a limited public resource—is allocated. Better Media calls for a full re advertisement of licences after 20 years to ensure the spectrum is being used in the best interests of local communities and supports the reintroduction of legislative provisions, such as Clause 42 of the Media Bill, which would open licence rounds to new entrants before
incumbents are granted extensions.

Dr Watson continued: “Ofcom and DCMS have repeatedly told new applicants that DAB and online platforms are sufficient alternatives, yet this logic is not being applied to incumbent FM licensees. We must ensure fair competition, innovation, and diversity in the sector by periodically reassessing spectrum allocation.”

Better Media also questions Ofcom’s resource management, highlighting that current application fees do not adequately cover costs, leaving the regulator unable to effectively oversee the community radio sector.

The letter urges the government to delay the publication of the draft Community Radio Order and expand the consultation to include a more representative cross-section of voices from the community radio sector.

Dr Watson concluded: “Community radio has the potential to foster social cohesion, amplify marginalised voices, and enrich local culture.

“However, these outcomes can only be achieved if the regulatory framework is built on inclusivity and fairness. We are calling for DCMS to pause, listen to the full spectrum of voices, and ensure that this Order serves the public good.”

Better Media is a membership organisation dedicated to ensuring that citizens can access and participate in the media, particularly those whose voices are often overlooked and ignored. It advocates for inclusive, citizen-focused media policies that promote diverse representation and social cohesion.