The media regulator OfCom has refused a request by UBC Media to reorganise their network of local Classic Gold stations into 'regional clusters'. The move would have seen Classic Gold outlets in the same region carrying the same local content - a move which UBC would argue would enable them to increase the budgets of those local programmes, but which, OfCom decided, would ultimately reduce the actual 'localness'.
The big radio groups have for a while, of course, run an increasing amount of their local radio operations from central HQs, with music policy, promotions and off-peak programming often the same across all stations. OfCom has a responsibility to ensure some kind of local programming remains, and officials there say that to allow Classic Gold to set up regional clusters would open the door for all radio groups to turn their networks of local stations into 'quasi-national' radio stations.
They did, however, agree to a request by UBC that the four hours of local programming they must carry on their Classic Gold stations could appear at any point in daytime - currently they must appear during breakfast or drivetime.
Commenting on OfCom's decision, Classic Gold MD John Baish told reporters: "We're very pleased that Ofcom's decision will allow us greater flexibility in local programming. We're disappointed, however, that what we saw as a far-sighted solution to creating new regional programming does not meet with the regulator's approval. We nevertheless remain optimistic that our vision of the way radio should be delivered locally is what will prevail eventually."