Consultation: Local news and information on analogue commercial radio

The Media Act 2024 has changed Ofcom’s duties in relation to the regulation of local analogue commercial radio. Part 5 of the Act safeguards the provision of local news and information by introducing new requirements regarding the regular broadcasting of local news and information on these stations.

Local news and information play an important role in society. They can help to deliver important benefits by supporting local democracy and holding councils and other local institutions to account. They can also help communities stay informed about local information and events, which in turn can help to promote social cohesion and community engagement. Local analogue commercial radio remains a key way for people to access local news and information.

Under the new statutory framework, we must include appropriate conditions in these stations’ licences, requiring them to broadcast local news and information regularly. There is also a new requirement that this local news consists of, or includes, “locally-gathered” news. We do however have the discretion not to include such conditions if we think it appropriate not to do so.

This consultation sets out how we propose to implement the new statutory framework relating to the provision of local news and information on local analogue commercial radio stations. We are also required to publish guidance on how we consider licensees may act consistently with these proposed new licence conditions. The consultation also sets out our proposals for that guidance, which is available in draft below.

We welcome responses to this consultation by 22 September 2025. 

Responding to this consultation

Please submit responses using the consultation response form no later than 22 September 2025.