Ofcom has written to the BBC confirming that it will carry out full BBC Competition Assessments (BCAs) of the Corporation’s radio expansion plans.In November 2024, the BBC published proposals to launch four new DAB+ stations: Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems, a Radio 2 extension, and Radio 3 Unwind. The Corporation also published proposals to extend the broadcasting hours of Radio 5 Sports Extra.Under the BBC Charter and Agreement, the BBC and then Ofcom are required to consider the effects on competition of ‘material’ changes to its TV, radio and online public services. Ofcom must first decide whether the BBC’s proposed changes are ‘material’ and, if so, what form of competition assessment Ofcom will carry out.Ofcom stated in November that it was minded to carry out full BCAs, rather than Shorter Assessments, to determine whether the BBC can go ahead with its plans. Ofcom consulted on its initial view and, taking responses into account, has concluded its initial assessment within the required six-week period. 5-Ofcom has decided that, as the BBC’s proposals would be a material change and raise a number of contentious issues, potentially affecting several interested parties, in-depth scrutiny through full BCAs is the appropriate course of action.Ofcom will have up to six months to complete its further assessments, which it will commence on January 6th, 2025. This process will include a consultation on its provisional decision, giving interested parties another opportunity to provide their views.
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