Ofcom approves Horizon Radio audience wording change

Horizon Radio has secured Ofcom approval to change how its Milton Keynes community audience is described in its broadcasting licence.

The station will now be described as a service for all people in Milton Keynes, including disadvantaged people and those from diverse backgrounds, replacing wording which gave particular emphasis to those groups.

The previous Key Commitment, inherited from 1055 The Point, described the service as being for people in Milton Keynes, particularly disadvantaged people and those from diverse backgrounds.

Horizon Radio Limited, which submitted the request in June, argued that the previous wording could be interpreted as making those groups the primary audience for every aspect of its output, rather than part of the wider community it serves.

Ofcom acknowledged that replacing the word ‘particularly’ with ‘including’ could weaken the prominence given to disadvantaged groups, which previously had an elevated position within the station’s target community.

However, the regulator concluded that the amendment was primarily intended to clarify the existing service rather than substantially change its character.

Ofcom said: “Horizon Radio’s licence will still retain a clear commitment to serving the disadvantaged and those from diverse backgrounds within Milton Keynes.”

The regulator also made clear that it would continue to expect programming specifically catering for these groups.

Horizon told Ofcom that its existing mix of music, specialist shows, local information and community features would remain unchanged, alongside volunteering, training and opportunities for community participation.

The station also pointed to informal feedback from listeners, volunteers and local organisations as evidence of support for its approach.

Ofcom approved the request under Section 106(1A)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 1990, concluding that the change would not substantially alter the station’s character of service.