MK CALLS ON RADIO AUTHORITY TO LOOK AT NEEDS OF CORNWALL

Mebyon Kernow (MK) calls on the Radio Authority to favour local bids for new radio licence. MK is a political party campaigning for greater Cornish self-government

With the Radio Authority (PRWEB) November 22, 2002 -- the Party for Cornwall has called on the RA to look favourably on bids from 'local applicants.

MK economy spokesperson Phil Rendle, said:-
Cornwall is a unique place and it needs a set of media institutions that reflect and build on that very distinctiveness.

The Radio Authority has issued many licenses in recent years but, almost each and every time, local and community applicants have been at a considerable disadvantage to large broadcasting concerns.

It is our view the Radio Authority should, wherever possible, support bids that are locally-based, strongly grounded in local communities and employing local people.

We must guard against large media concerns which specialise in buying out radio stations and claiming new licenses to build up their empires, while showing little loyalty to Cornwall or anywhere else for that matter."

The Radio Authority states the criteria for bids would include applicants offering something new or fresh to an area and catering for a broad range of tastes. It will also look for evidence of sound financial backing and local support.

Barry Andrew, Deputy Leader of Mebyon Kernow, added:

It would be wrong for MK as a political party to support any single application, but it is essential that we raise these issues about local ownership and local needs at this relatively early stage in the process.

Cornwall has a distinctive cultural identity and outlook. The Radio Authority has a responsibility to itself and the communities of Cornwall to find out what Cornwall specifically needs from its broadcast media."

END

NOTES:

Mebyon Kernow -- the Party for Cornwall (MK) is a political party campaigning for greater Cornish self-government. Campaigning for a legislative Cornish Assembly, its policies are based around four cornerstones which are Cornish, Green, Left-of-centre and Decentralist. MK has elected councillors on four of Cornwalls six district councils.