AIR FM fails to deliver several of its community radio Key Commitments

Ofcom has found that AIR FM, a community radio station based in Weymouth, Dorset, breached its licence conditions in relation to speech, music, original output and social gain.

The station, which targets young people under 25, including those who are disadvantaged or living with learning difficulties, failed to meet its Key Commitments during the week of 7 to 14 October 2024.

A complainant stated that AIR FM did not play any music from local artists, and did not regularly broadcast local speech, news, and information

According to Ofcom, AIR FM did not broadcast the required amount of original content, local news, or music from local artists. Additionally, the station did not provide adequate speech-based programming or involve members of its target community in the operation and management of the service.

Ofcom noted that while it plans to remove many specific quotas from community radio licences, including those related to music and speech output, these changes had not yet been implemented at the time of the breach.

Therefore, AIR FM was still obligated to adhere to its existing Key Commitments during the period in question.

The regulator concluded that AIR FM failed to deliver the social gain objectives mandated by its licence, such as facilitating discussion, providing education or training, and strengthening community links. These shortcomings resulted in breaches of Licence Conditions 2(1) and 2(4).

Ofcom has stated that it will continue to monitor AIR FM’s compliance and expects the station to fulfil its obligations to serve its community effectively.