Stephen Sullivan <...> said:

This ofcom ruling has obviously thrown up the free radio versus Government legislated radio.
I do believe the licensing of stations should be down to frequency availability and then the format is the decision of the frequency winner. Highest bidder wins with two frequencies allowed for a lottery style that they are not allowed to sell the licence, just handed back if they cannot make a profit, then another lottery.

BBC Should have two national stations and one local, the rest handed out for commercial ventures. Eventually the market would decide on what is sustainable and what is not. Newspapers are not required to go through this format rubbish, so why should radio. If you want specialist radio you seek it out, you cannot tell me you can't find what you want on the Internet. The same goes for the published word, if you want a specialist magazine you will seek it out, you may not find it at WH Smiths but you can always order it.
Radio has now reached the stage where it can be free from format interference, let the Government get on with doing it and reap the benefit in taxing the spectrum.

Steve

HEAR HEAR!!!