Memorandum submitted by Robb Eden (FL
62)
COMMUNITY RADIO
IN THE
FLOODING
I understand that you are inviting comments
from people directly affected by the recent flooding. I am writing
to point out that Community Radio has a major part to play in
informing the public at times of local crisis. Had I been able
to obtain the information as it unfolded I believe that both my
business and my car could have been saved from the flooding. Generally,
the BBC and commercial radio provide limited coverage for the
North Cotswold area. On July 20th there was very little information
available therefore people were driving backwards and forwards
trying to find ways to avoid the flooding.
As Community Radio has an important part to
play, is it not time that Parliament looks at the whole issue,
especially the penalising licence fees that Ofcom charge the volunteer
workers who simply wish to provide a public service? Coupled with
the exorbitant royalty fees charged for playing music it puts
a lot of willing people off the idea of running what many believe
is an invaluable service for the community.
Robb Eden
August 2007
| 
