Month: December 2025

Commercial radio groups say the BBC Charter Review must rule out advertising as a future funding option for BBC radio services.

The industry response follows the launch of the BBC Charter Review, which will examine the broadcaster’s future funding and regulatory framework as part of the process to renew its Royal Charter.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has published a Green Paper titled Britain’s Story: The Next Chapter, setting out the government’s thinking on how the BBC should be funded and regulated in the years ahead.
Radiocentre has welcomed the review but reiterated its position that BBC radio should not be funded by advertising. The organisation has previously published an economic study showing that introducing advertising on BBC radio would have a damaging effect on both the BBC and the wider market, with commercial radio revenues estimated to fall by 36 per cent under such a model.
The industry body says advertiser funding would undermine the sustainability of BBC services while significantly weakening commercial broadcasters, reducing overall investment in UK radio and audio. It argues this would ultimately limit listener choice rather than expand it.
Radiocentre plans to work closely with government throughout the Charter Review process and will submit a formal response to the consultation. As well as funding, it intends to highlight areas where external regulation of the BBC could be strengthened, particularly in radio, where the BBC remains a dominant domestic player and competition with commercial services is most acute.
Matt Payton, Chief Executive of Radiocentre, said: “The BBC holds a unique and privileged position in the UK media sector. We welcome the opportunity to work with government to help shape the right framework for the future.”
He added: “Ad funding of BBC services is a fundamentally flawed approach. It could devastate commercial media businesses, undermine the viability of BBC services and leave audiences with a narrower choice of UK content.”
The consultation is expected to attract significant engagement from across the radio and audio industry, with commercial broadcasters keen to ensure that future funding decisions protect a balanced and sustainable audio landscape across the UK.

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Frisk Radio has appointed Danny Coucill as its new Station Manager and Executive Producer, strengthening the station’s leadership as it continues to grow across the North.The appointment brings day-to-day responsibility for programming and production under a single role, supporting Frisk’s ongoing expansion on DAB and online platforms.
Danny joins Frisk Radio following three years at Bauer Media, where he worked as producer of Steve and Karen’s Breakfast Show on Hits Radio North East, previously Metro Radio and TFM.
Before Bauer, Danny held a number of roles at Global, spanning both sales and programming. His early programming experience included working on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, giving him exposure to national radio production alongside commercial and audience-focused broadcasting.
Frisk Radio’s Operations Director Mick Winter said the appointment reflected the station’s ambitions as it continues to build its presence across northern England. He said Danny’s background and approach aligned well with Frisk’s plans for engaging listeners through high-energy programming.
Danny said he was looking forward to the challenge of the new role and to shaping the station’s sound. He said he was pleased to be joining a growing radio brand and welcomed the opportunity to develop an authentic product for audiences across the North.

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The Government has launched a review of the BBC’s Royal Charter, beginning a public consultation on how the broadcaster should be governed, funded and regulated in the future.

The once-in-a-decade process aims to ensure the BBC remains trusted, independent and financially sustainable as audience habits continue to change.
The review is being led by the Culture Secretary and marks the formal start of the process to renew the BBC’s Royal Charter, which sets out its public purpose, governance and funding model.
A Green Paper published today sets out options for reform and invites views from people across the UK. It focuses on three linked areas: public trust and accountability, long-term funding, and the BBC’s role in supporting growth and jobs across the nations and regions.
The Government says the BBC remains a major part of the UK’s creative economy, generating around £5 billion a year, employing more than 20,000 people and investing heavily in UK-made content, while reaching hundreds of millions of people worldwide each week.
One area under consideration is strengthening independence and transparency, including the way board appointments are made and how editorial decisions are explained, particularly during major news events. Proposals also include giving accuracy equal weight alongside impartiality in the BBC’s public mission.
The Green Paper also raises the possibility of new responsibilities for the BBC in tackling misinformation and supporting media literacy, alongside clearer duties around workplace conduct and staff protection. On funding, the Government is seeking views on reform of the licence fee, potential changes to concessions, and ways the BBC could generate more commercial income. Options for funding the World Service and supporting minority language broadcasting, including S4C, are also included.
Another focus is the BBC’s economic impact beyond London. Ideas include new obligations to support skills, spread commissioning power across the UK, invest in research and development, and work more closely with partners, including local news organisations.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “The BBC must remain fiercely independent, accountable and be able to command public trust. It must reflect the whole of the UK and be funded in a way that is sustainable and fair for audiences.”
Responses to the consultation will help shape a White Paper, expected to be published in 2026.

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