Dr Neil Hudson MP has welcomed the boost for radio stations broadcasting in Penrith and The Border through the Conservative Government’s Media Bill.
Technology has revolutionised the way people enjoy British radio, with more and more people using smart speakers.
That is why this Conservative Government has introduced the Media Bill – ensuring audiences can more easily access, and enjoy quality British radio content like Eden FM, BBC Radio Cumbria and Greatest Hits Radio Cumbria & South West Scotland (Formerly CFM) for generations to come.
The Media Bill will ensure that UK radio stations are not charged by smart speaker platforms for the provision of their live services to listeners, so that listeners can continue to access the stations they love.
The Bill will also cut red tape, making it easier for local radio stations to apply for licences, and for Ofcom to grant them, but at the same time ensuring that the core public service function of radio - the provision of important local news and information - is protected.
The Conservative Government is continuing to deliver long-term decisions to protect our creative industries and public interest journalism, ensuring the UK’s world-leading content is accessible to everyone across the country.
Rural communities are extremely reliant on local radio to keep them connected and mitigate against rural isolation so Dr Hudson has long supported them. Recently he visited Eden FM's new studio at Newton Rigg to show his support for community radio, which you can read more about here.
You can watch Dr Hudson standing up in the House of Commons to secure local radio lifelines for rural communities here.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
“As a keen supporter of local radio stations such as Eden FM, I am pleased that the Conservative Government’s Media Bill is backing it to succeed.
"This legislation is crucial for our rural communities that rely so heavily on local stations to keep them connected and stave off rural isolation. These stations are absolute lifelines and I'm proud to stand up for them in Westminster.
“Whether it is making it easier to find local radio stations via smart speakers or cutting red tape to support it - these long-term changes will make sure listeners across the country can continue to access their favourite stations.”
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:
“I know how popular our radio stations are across the country, and I want to make sure that listeners can access them for years to come.
“The Media Bill will cut red tape for radio, and make them easier to find on smart speakers - ensuring we can all continue to tune in to relax, dance, and laugh to our favourite stations.”
