News story
17th September 2001
MP Backs Local Bid For Lifting Of Ban On Christian
Radio Stations
Northavon MP Steve Webb has this weekend spoken out in
support of calls by local residents for the repeal of
legislation which bans religious organisations from
bidding for licences to run national radio stations. Last
year he presented a petition to Parliament signed by over
7,000 South Gloucestershire residents calling for an end
to the ban that was introduced in the 1990 Broadcasting
Act. Now, in a speech to the annual conference of the
Christian Broadcasting Council, Steve Webb has called on
the Government to make the necessary changes in its
Broadcasting Bill expected to be published in this
session of Parliament. The MP told the gathering of more
than 70 people involved in Christian-based television,
radio and media production companies that there was no
justification for the ban and that he would be working
with MPs of all parties to try to get it lifted.
Steve Webb said: “With so many different television
and radio channels to choose from, it does seem
extraordinary that the only organisations who cannot even
apply for a national radio licence are religious
organisations. There are existing stations designed to
appeal to very small sections of society, and it should
be possible for there to be stations which cater for
those who want to hear music and debate with a Christian
emphasis. This is a view that has been expressed to me by
many of my own constituents and it is time that the
Government lifted this illiberal restriction”
At present religious broadcasters are allowed to bid for
local analogue radio licences, and one such licence is
held by London-based Premier Radio, whilst United
Christian Broadcasters run a satellite television
channel. But under the terms of the Broadcasting Act
1990, such organisation are prohibited from applying for
national radio licences. A Government White Paper in
December 2000 “invited views” on whether these
restrictions should be lifted, but made no firm
commitment.
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