Local radio ‘should serve community’
THERE was a murmur of discontent when Mrs Mary Warnock, a member of the Independent Broadcasting Authority, told a mainly elderly and religious-minded audience that old people liked pop music.
Mrs Warnock chaired an open meeting called by the IBA at Oldway, Paignton.
Several hundred people turned up, among them more than a sprinkling of clergymen, councillors and council officials.
The churchmen were keen to get their fair share of religious programmes on the new independent local radio station when it starts in about two years.
Members of the IBA are visiting Torbay and Exeter to hold preliminary interviews with the three applicants for the contract to provide an independent local radio service.
The three are Bay City Radio, Radio Haldon and Riviera Radio.
Mrs Warnock put some minds at ease when she said music would have to be very carefully considered. “The company we appoint is responsible for the selection of programmes. But to assume a local radio station is not proper for one’s taste shows a considerable interest in the community and community services.”
She pointed out that there would be a local advisory committee set up to advise the IBA about the local radio service.
“The authority will take their annual report into account in making its assessment.”
When the station goes on the air, it will be possible to separate programmes for Exeter and Torbay, although Mrs Warnock said it would be unrealistic to see that happen in the initial stages.
A panel of four from the IBA answered questions. One said the station’s arrivals would not be better, while another said big stations would not be allowed to take over the local radio station to get the big boys.
The panel said they would take into account the applicants’ ideas and proposals before making a final decision. Further interviews will take place in London later.
