UK

The BBC is set to offer more support for the UK audio sector thanks to a new Terms of Trade agreement worked out with AudioUK.

The deal will see increased investment in speech programming, more commercial opportunities for production companies, a training partnership to nurture talent, and the return of the BBC Radio Indie Development Fund for 2024/25.
A new Terms of Trade agreement for audio commissions has been developed together with AudioUK following detailed negotiations to secure a fair, future-facing deal for the independent audio production companies that produce a huge volume of distinctive content for the BBC.
The deal increases the funding production companies receive for content and opens up more opportunities for them to exploit their IP and take advantage of the commercial distribution market, either through BBC Studios’ global infrastructure should they choose, or via third parties.
The BBC’s Radio Indie Development Fund will return for 24/25 which funds projects that help to build up production capabilities across the UK, and the BBC also plans to invest in AudioUK’s successful Audiotrain training programme.
Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer said: “Today’s ambitious deal with AudioUK, on behalf of the independent audio sector, ensures that the BBC will continue to be the place where producers come with their best ideas, resulting in an unrivalled content offer for our audiences. The BBC has a unique role to play in the thriving UK audio sector, and our increased investment will boost British creativity and develop skills and production capabilities across the UK.”
Chloe Straw, Managing Director of AudioUK said: “The independent production sector has driven the rapid growth of the audio market over the past decade, thriving both creatively and commercially. The BBC excels when collaborating with the sector, and we are pleased with its recognition of the need for a new approach to the Terms of Trade, to reflect developments in the audio industry and give producers more choice when it comes to their IP, as well as a baseline for commissioning terms.
“These terms provide a standard framework within which producers from across the UK can engage with the BBC. We very much welcome the BBC’s support for our Audiotrain scheme as well as its continued backing of independent audio businesses through the Indie Development Fund.”
Here are more details from the BBC:
New Terms of Trade
Under the new Terms of Trade, speech prices will be increased overall by 10% for commissions, with the BBC actively developing plans to invest in music audio, strengthening the supplier base and meeting the challenges and opportunities specific to that genre. The BBC will review the tariffs across music and speech content on an annual basis.
The deal brings together the linear and on demand rights in one agreement, allowing for more flexibility, and grants the BBC the licence to buy three packages of network transmission, combined with a five year licence on BBC Sounds in speech, 12 months in music. Producers will be able to choose how they wish to exploit ex-UK and commercial rights, with the option to use BBC Studios as a distributor, should they choose, or do so independently, and they will receive a greater share of revenue for all forms of commercial exploitation. The BBC will also work in partnership with the producers to roll out a clear process for transferring audio-originated IP to screen.
The Terms represent a framework for producers engaging with the BBC, but they do not preclude the BBC and an individual producer from concluding an agreement covering variations to the Terms, should they both wish to do so.
Investing in Audiotrain
Building on the BBC’s extensive commitment to developing people with new skills, the BBC will invest in Audiotrain, AudioUK’s training programme, over three years. Audiotrain nurtures talent, refines skills, and fosters innovation within the audio industry. With its focus on providing practical training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, Audiotrain aligns perfectly with the objectives of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy. 
Backing the best ideas
The BBC is committed to a level playing field and fair competition so that the best ideas are commissioned for our audiences – across independent producers, BBC Studios and BBC public service. In addition to the existing contestability framework, the BBC has also committed that 100% of new speech programmes will be competed.
Applications for the BBC Radio Indie Development Fund will open in mid-July, with successful applicants receiving a one-year investment of between £10-£25k towards a variety of areas, ranging from increasing and diversifying the talent pool to boosting production capabilities and training. The fund supports the BBC’s priorities, including increasing diversity and content from all parts of the UK, allowing the BBC to better reflect, represent and serve all audiences.
The BBC will also be increasing its transparency and reporting on pricing, tariffs and contestability data via the annual Supply Report – as well as continuing to develop its engagement with producers across our commissioning website, briefs, webinars and events. The BBC will also look to evolve the radio commissioning framework to ensure it remains fit for purpose across both Speech and Music programming. […]

Steve Wright’s cause of death has been revealed as a ruptured ulcer in his stomach, according to his death certificate, seen by the BBC.
The BBC Radio 2 presenter died suddenly in February at the age of 69.
A report on the BBC website says the certificate stated that the causes of death were acute peritonitis and a perforated gastric peptic ulcer.
Hundreds of thousands of tributes were paid to Steve by listeners and the radio industry earlier this year, including BBC Director General Tim Davie.
At the time, Tim said: “All of us at the BBC are heartbroken to hear this terribly sad news. Steve was a truly wonderful broadcaster who has been a huge part of so many of our lives over many decades.
“He was the ultimate professional – passionate about the craft of radio and deeply in touch with his listeners. This was deservedly recognised in the New Year Honours list with his MBE for services to radio.
“No-one had more energy to deliver shows that put a smile on audiences’ faces. They loved him deeply. We are thinking of Steve and his family and will miss him terribly.” […]

Community station Radio Leyland in central Lancashire has been found in breach of its licence for playing an offensive song.

One person complained when the station played “Let’s Go Fishing” by Aaron Lewis, which was broadcast at 10:34 on a Saturday morning in April 2024.
The track contained three uses of the word “fu**ed”.
The station said the mistake happened due to human error, and usually has a process in place to avoid non-vetted tracks being played.
Radio Leyland apologised to Ofcom for the broadcast of the offensive language and accepted that it did not comply with Rule 1.14, but added that it did not have time to broadcast an apology on-air because it was “too caught up in ensuring we could prevent any recurrence” and that it would issue an apology when it had received Ofcom’s “judgement”.
Ofcom took into consideration the Licensee’s explanation of the circumstances that led to the broadcast of the offensive language and its representations that the error occurred due to a “departure from the presenter’s usual procedure”.
However, Ofcom reminded Radio Leyland that it is the Licensee’s responsibility to ensure all content broadcast on its service complies with the Code. […]

Regulator Ofcom has announced 15 stations have been found in breach of their licences for not filing their finance reports in time.
Nine of these radio stations subsequently submitted a late report, Ofcom added.
Failure by a licensee to submit a finance report when required represents a serious and fundamental breach of a community radio licence, as the absence of the information contained in the report means that Ofcom is unable to properly carry out its regulatory duties.
Ofcom requested finance reports for the calendar year 2023 from all community radio licensees who were broadcasting for the whole of 2023.
“It is of fundamental importance that Ofcom can verify that a licensee is complying with its licence requirements relating to funding,” Ofcom says. “We therefore require licensees to submit a finance report setting out how they have met their licence obligations. The finance reports from stations also inform Ofcom’s own understanding of the community radio sector, and financial information about the sector features in the Communications Market Report.”
Those stations reporting late were:

Air FM
Awaaz FM
Bute Island Radio
EAVA FM
Fiesta FM
Juice Radio
Liverpool Community Radio
Radio2Funky
Skyline Gold 102.5

The remaining six still have not filed a report:

1BTN
Halton Community Radio
Juice FM Belfast
KCC Live
Revival FM
Ujima Radio […]

A new service offing an hourly updated travel news bulletin for radio stations is launching soon.

My Radio Group has announced the audio will be available from Monday 15th July, along with options for regional and bespoke services.
Luca Marshall, partner at the My Radio Group, expressed his excitement about the launch: “We are excited to launch our new UK travel bulletin service to radio stations from the 15th of July.
“Since the demise of Radio Travel News, small, independent stations across the UK have not had access to a financially viable travel news service.
“With the My Radio Travel News bulletin service, we aim to fill that void. Alongside our syndicated shows and Power Intro service, we hope we can continue to provide value for money to UK and international radio stations.”
You can see more information about the new travel bulletin service at MyRadioNetwork.co.uk or you can email Luca Marshall at luca@myradiogroup.com. […]

Nation’s new app has officially launched complete with free carriage for third party services.

Nation Player now has over 50 stations, including initial partner stations Fun Kids, BFBS, Panjab Radio, Colourful, Sunrise, Channel 103, Island FM, Star Radio, CountryLine Radio, Podcast Radio and Bournemouth One.
For radio listeners, the new app also has access to hours of podcasts that are free to listen to and introduces personalisation features such as trending podcasts and stations to help users quickly find content.
Additionally, it also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For radio stations, the new app brings additional opportunities for them to grow both their audience and revenues through new managed advertising opportunities that are built into the end-to-end Xperi ecosystem that underlies the platform.
Nation’s founder Jason Bryant, said; ‘After three years of growth at Nation Player, we are delighted to today welcome these partner stations to our app that can now monetise in-app listening.
“Our tech partners Xperi have ensured Nation Player offers a best in class in-car and mobile streaming solution whilst also working with the industry’s leading streamed revenue partners to drive revenues.”
Chris Gould, vice president at All In Media, a part of Xperi said; “We’re proud to have worked with Nation Broadcasting to bring this innovative radio app to the UK market. Our technology and relationships in the automotive, tech and advertising industries helps us to bring best-in-class content and user experience to the partnership and, in addition, we are helping stations find new revenue streams to support their growth.
“We look forward to more stations and podcasters joining the platform in the coming months.”
To sign up your station or podcast to be part of the new Nation Player app see this link. […]