The DCMS encourages innovation, competition and greater choice for listeners in radio services.  We are committed to working with the commercial broadcasters and Ofcom to ensure our legislative framework supports this through the development of new channels.

 

Under the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996 and the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom is responsible for licensing and regulating all independent radio services on both analogue and digital platforms.

 

Radio listening remains a popular medium and listeners today have a wide choice of stations.  As at 12 June 2004, there were 3 national commercial stations (Classic FM, TalkSPORT and Virgin 1215); 277 independent local radio (ILR) analogue services; 1 national digital multiplex carrying 8 radio services; 46 local digital multiplexes carrying some 300 radio services.  There are 120 Radio Licensable Content Service Licences in issue as well as 122 long-term restricted services, 68 Local Digital Sound Programme and 11 National Digital Sound Programme licences are in issue; and over 4,600 short-term Restricted Service Licenses (RSLs). For more information go to Ofcom's website.