Yesterday, local MP Kevin Foster's Private Members' Bill, the Broadcasting (Radio Multiplex Services) Bill, officially received Royal Assent to pass into law as an Act of Parliament.
The Bill, now officially known as the Broadcasting (Radio Multiplex Services) Act 2017, is believed to be the first Private Members’ Broadcasting Bill to receive Royal Assent, and makes provision for the regulation of small-scale DAB multiplex services. Industry observers predict this could prompt an increase of over 1000 new commercial and community stations across the UK.
The Bill was introduced into Parliament by Kevin, who strongly supported the need for ultra-local commercial and community radio stations to have a path to DAB in a digital age. Completing all the parliamentary stages in both Houses, the Bill received its final reading in the Lords on 21 March.
Kevin Foster MP, said: ‘I am delighted that with Royal Assent today the Bill has become law, marking an exciting new era ahead for digital radio at a local level. It being passed in Norman French is perhaps a symbol of how it will allow the tradition of excellence in British local radio to continue and thrive on this most modern of platforms. I cannot wait to hear the new listening choices this Act will bring to digital radio listeners across the country.’
The Act will enable Government and Ofcom to create a regulatory regime for the licensing of local commercial and community radio stations on small-scale DAB multiplexes across the UK. Currently there are 10 small-scale DAB multiplex trials in place across the UK with over 140 local stations on air.