SWU.FM, a Bristol-based radio station, is facing the possibility of a fine for violating its license terms, according to broadcast regulator Ofcom as reported by the BBC. Ofcom determined that the station, which was taken over by Rinse FM in 2023, failed to provide essential information regarding its ownership and financial details. This violation puts SWU.FM in breach of Section 7 of the Community Radio Order 2004, which prohibits a company or organization from holding more than one analog community radio license.
In a recent report by Ofcom, it was highlighted that SWU.FM failed to submit its annual community radio finance report on time for the past three years. Moreover, the station did not disclose its potential connections with Rinse FM, raising concerns about shared email accounts and possible links between the directors of the two entities. Ofcom emphasized the importance of verifying compliance with funding requirements to maintain the integrity of the licensing process.
SWU.FM, in response to Ofcom’s allegations, claimed that they had only received one email from the regulator, with the rest ending up in their junk folder. Rinse FM had acquired SWU.FM in April 2023, shortly after the latter ceased broadcasts due to financial struggles including high energy costs and pandemic-related challenges. Despite the challenges, SWU.FM remains a significant player in the Bristol music scene and advocates for more support and fewer restrictions on community radio stations.
Gemma Ross, Assistant Editor at Mixmag, asserts that SWU.FM plays a vital role in the local music scene and should be safeguarded rather than pressurized. The station’s close ties to community radio networks should not warrant unwarranted scrutiny, especially when larger conglomerates can hold multiple licenses without issue. SWU.FM’s plea for support reflects the ongoing struggle of smaller radio stations to survive amidst financial constraints and regulatory burdens
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