You may have heard the news about the BBC’s plans to launch a spin-off service to Radio 2.

We think a few years ago, it might have been a great idea – but instead, the BBC chose to rather walk away from trying to serve our generation – as you likely noticed! So, we stepped in – a group of old friends – and set up Boom. We are delighted how well it’s been received.

We are a small independent operator rather than part of any large media empire.  We’re as vulnerable as any other small business. Whilst things are going well, you’ll be well aware of the poor economic climate – and radio broadcasting is an expensive business. We really want to stay around rather than close as some other stations sadly have.

Were the BBC’s proposed service to come on-air, it would affect our ability to grow our three services - and the impact could be even worse.  Whilst we know we can count on your loyalty, it is natural that some listeners may change stations even if only for some hours of the day.

We are not afraid of fair competition – and we’ve faced new commercial competition since launch. That’s life. But some competition can be unfair. A large broadcaster with access to huge public funds, unrivalled promotional power and the very best transmission platforms that we simply cannot access can certainly be unfair - and that is exactly why the law demands regulation of radio, just as it does in some other sectors.  

Some people might argue that the proposed BBC service would be extra listening choice – but if commercial operators cannot afford to stay around, then what happens to choice then?

Under the rules, the BBC must defend new ventures on the grounds of the unique value they bring to the public. We’d readily agree that much of what the BBC does bring that value. But we feel that this proposed station brings nothing new whatsoever.  The proposed BBC service is described in a way that sounds rather like us, although we believe we deliver rather more of worth.

We support the BBC, but feel if they have cash to spare – it should be spent on restoring local radio and other very distinctive stations and programmes.

We are saddened by the BBC’s behaviour and now look to Ofcom to continue to understand our concerns and act in the long-term interests of UK radio listeners by preventing this new station. 

Meanwhile, all the various reports etc we have to submit to make our case are a real distraction from what our small team should be doing - making great radio!

We appreciate you may wish to protest on our behalf - and we are grateful - but right now there’s no need. We’re in dialogue with Ofcom and they already know the passion you have for the station. There’s no need, at present, for you to do anything more - apart from continuing to tell your friends about us as more listeners will always help.

We’d like to thank you for your support. We’ve received many encouraging messages from listeners and we want you to know how much we appreciate them.

Thanks for listening.

Phil, David, Paul, Dawn, Don, Tina and the rest of the gang at Boom