http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/radio/ ... adcasting/
Unsurprising language, huh? The perception is that existing licensed broadcasters are failing to cater sufficiently for the needs of the certain sections of the public. ...listeners tune into illegal stations because they perceive them to be good at serving their community.Ofcom and its predecessor regulators have been acutely aware of the problems caused by illegal radio broadcasters (or ‘pirate radio’) for many years, and have been actively engaged in taking such broadcasters off the air throughout that time. However, Ofcom recognises that such enforcement actions by themselves will not provide a total solution to the issues involved. We therefore want to take a fresh look at the issues and consider alternative ways of tackling them.
We estimate that there are currently around 150 illegal radio stations in the UK. At any one time, it is believed that around half of these are transmitting in London, within the M25 area.
The first phase of research conducted for this project showed that 16% of adults in Greater London say they listen to illegal broadcasters, with unique music content being the main driver for listening.
In more detailed research conducted in the London boroughs of Hackney, Haringey and Lambeth, where listening to illegal stations is even higher than the London average, the perception of both listeners and broadcasters involved in illegal broadcasting is that existing licensed broadcasters are failing to cater sufficiently for the needs of the certain sections of the public. Apart from the music they play, listeners tune into illegal stations because they perceive them to be good at serving their community.
