Radio Today: BBC to reduce news quotas on Asian Network and Radio Foyle

Story from Radio Today:

Ofcom has approved the BBC’s request to reduce its news and current affairs quotas for both BBC Radio Foyle and BBC Asian Network, following a consultation earlier this year.

The BBC submitted the request to align its Operating Licence with existing and planned changes to its output on both services.

In the case of BBC Radio Foyle, the BBC had mistakenly believed that no amendment was required when it made programme changes in 2022, including replacing its two-hour breakfast show with a shorter version.

To correct the oversight, the BBC asked to reduce the annual quota for news and current affairs on BBC Radio Foyle from 1,043 hours to 710 hours.

Separately, the BBC also proposed reducing the news quota on BBC Asian Network from at least 1,224 hours to at least 675 hours per year. The move supports a refresh of the station which it says, is to better serve younger listeners by introducing new music-led programming.

In its decision, Ofcom said: “Our view is that the amended quotas would be appropriate for requiring the BBC to fulfil its Mission and promote its Public Purposes, and the changes have the potential to meet changing audience needs.”

However, the regulator also noted that it was “disappointed” the BBC breached its licence conditions by not seeking permission for the Radio Foyle changes in advance. Ofcom will take this into account in its next Annual Report on the BBC.

Ofcom expects the BBC to monitor audience response closely, particularly to ensure the revised output continues to meet the needs of listeners and supports public service goals.