ACCESS RADIO

Early day motion 1316, tabled 15 May 2002 by Tony Lloyd (Labour). Signed by 113 members.

That this House welcomes the launch of the first 'access radio' services licensed by the Radio Authority and serving Manchester, Bradford, Havant, Stoke-on-Trent, Belfast, Leicester, Nottingham, Pontypridd and Central Glasgow; notes that local and community television services are being pioneered under licences from the Independent Television Commission; recognises the important contribution community media can make to social inclusion, neighbourhood renewal, citizens' participation, local democracy and lifelong learning; calls on the Government to include specific measures for the further growth and development of community media which would include distinct licensing arrangements based on clear public service obligations, reservation of broadcast spectrum and guaranteed access to cable channels; and further calls on the Government to establish a new Community Media Fund to help finance start-up, development and operating costs.

Signatures by party: Labour 74, Liberal Democrat 15, Labour/Co-operative 8, UUP 5, DUP 3, Scottish National Party 3, Conservative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.