A statement to interested listeners from Boom Radio

You may be aware that the BBC was planning a new radio service aimed at older listeners.

Given the proposed station would play ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s music, hosted by ‘much-loved’ personalities - and would mark key music anniversaries etc - we were concerned that it would seriously affect Boom Radio, given it would be doing much the same as us!

We were certainly puzzled why the BBC felt the below was 'unmatched in the marketplace':

(Taken from BBC Public Interest Test consultation)

We informed the media regulator Ofcom of our concerns and demonstrated the serious impact it could have on Boom Radio and its newer spin-off services Boom Light and Boom Rock.

Despite the listening loyalty we know we enjoy, it is natural that another station doing what we do would erode, to some extent, the amount of listening to Boom. That would, in turn, automatically reduce our income. You’ll be aware we are not part of a major media empire – we are a group of old friends with a dream.  Not least in the current unpredictable economic climate, that audience change could seriously impact on our ability to stay around.

Ofcom has, however, now announced a provisional determination that the BBC will not be allowed to proceed with its plan. 

We are clearly highly delighted, given the last few months have been very uncertain for us. Whilst we kept cheery on-air, there was huge distraction behind the scenes in making our case.

We appreciate that there are those who might have liked the new BBC station, but Ofcom recognised that the BBC walked away from older audiences, clearing a gap which we set out to address. In human terms – it would have been simply unfair.

And whilst a lack of ads might be appealing – that must not be the only reason that people choose the BBC. That alone is not public service. We believe your licence fees should be spent on genuine public service – such as some of the things the BBC has been cutting – not simply duplicating what commercial radio is already delivering at no cost. And at Boom, of course, we broadcast some of the lowest levels of advertising and we intend to continue with that policy.

Some listeners may have found the BBC archive material of interest on the proposed station  - but if they do have material of value, they already have countless places to make it available.

We must be clear that we have no issue with fair competition – indeed many other commercial stations have launched since we came on air.  But, a publicly-funded new service with unique advantages using the BBC’s transmission network (the best possible - and paid for by all of us, but unavailable to Boom), backed by perfect and unrivalled marketing exposure on the huge Radio 2 and elsewhere on BBC platforms (also unavailable to us) - and without ads - is unfair competition. That is why there is legislation to govern it.

The BBC already commands more radio listening amongst those aged 55+ than the entire commercial radio network. If this dominant party stifles innovation – there will be no competition

We are huge supporters of the BBC - but it must behave honourably and spend public money wisely.

There is now a short consultation period before the decision is confirmed. But, on the strength of what we now know, we can plough ahead and continue to build Boom and its sister stations. We have plans to do some of the things you’ve been asking us to.

We are aware that many Boom listeners wrote to Ofcom and/or the BBC about this matter and we are very, very grateful for your efforts. Your enthusiasm for what we do touches us. And we thank Ofcom for considering the matter with due care.

Thanks for listening – and thanks for your interest.