Why is BBC Radio Norfolk playing fewer songs?
BBC Radio Norfolk has been forced to play fewer music tracks to avoid overstepping a limit - Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Have you been listening carefully to BBC Radio Norfolk over the last few weeks? And if so have you noticed anything different?
If so, then your ears haven't deceived you, because in recent weeks regular listeners to the station will have noticed a reduction in the amount of music played during the daytime.
A spokesman for the corporation has said the change is an editorial decision brought on to help protect staff and adapt to the pandemic.
However, it is understood that another reason is the station has to abide by monthly restrictions on the amount of music it can play versus local content - and it has come close to overstepping this mark.
Ofcom rules dictate that should this limit be broken by stations, then they could face a financial penalty.
A BBC spokesman said: "Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve had to adapt our schedules for practical and editorial reasons to keep our staff safe and reflect breaking news. That has led to some changes on the air.
"We will meet all our broadcasting requirements and are focused on helping our listeners through this difficult period.”
Most Read
- 1 'God's waiting room' - Norfolk town is country's pensioner hotspot
- 2 RAF flypast to pass through Norfolk's skies
- 3 'He could've gone all the way' - Mum's tribute to aspiring boxer, 19
- 4 'It's just not viable anymore' - Pub near Great Yarmouth closes
- 5 Readers reveal top 10 fish and chips - but the battle is on for top spot
- 6 Tyson Fury is making a comeback to Gorleston
- 7 Two Norfolk spots named among best places in Britain for a weekend break
- 8 Star-studded line-up announced for free Norfolk festival
- 9 Person banned from driving arrested after crashing into pedestrian crossing
- 10 Lloyds to close bank in Norwich suburb
When explicitly asked to confirm or deny what the sources had told us the spokesman added: "We have provided the statement already and have no further comment to add."
The change has not gone unnoticed, with listeners contacting this newspaper about it.
One woman, who did not wish the be named, said: "I'm a dedicated Radio Norfolk listener and wake up to Chris Goreham every weekday and we have it on our car radio - so I've definitely noticed a difference."
The operating licence of BBC local radio stations, which is set and enforced by Ofcom, requires that 95 hours of "originally, locally-made programming" be broadcast every week.
It is understood the reduction in songs will only be a temporary measure.
