BBC Local Radio

Absolutely. That example shows how important local radio is. I raise those subjects because I want to discuss the technology. Local radio is broadcast on FM because its reach is relatively small compared with other forms of broadcasting. The FM signal goes roughly the distance that the eye can see—about 20 or 21 miles. It has the unique ability to allow several local radio stations to broadcast to their communities on specific local issues. I can understand the BBC thinking that Radio 5 Live has become a popular radio station and that it might say, ““Let's move it on to those FM frequencies, which we can free up by getting rid of local radio.”” However, that does a disservice to Radio 5 Live listeners. Many Members have said that sports coverage on the BBC is fantastic, and my hon. Friend the Member for North Thanet was right to say that it was a brave decision to create Radio 5 Live. I remember tuning to Radio 2 on Saturday afternoons to get football and sports reports. When 5 Live came along, broadcasts were much more focused. However, medium wave broadcasts have the advantage that they can be heard in many areas that cannot receive FM. Indeed, given the correct atmospheric conditions, I have been able to pick up Radio 5 Live in the Italian Alps. If we move the programme to FM, we shall disfranchise many listeners. I remember talk of making Radio 4 long wave into a news-only channel, and the resulting outcry from people who would not be able to hear ““The Archers””, because they would not be able to pick up Radio 4 FM in the more remote locations. Some argue that we could move to digital channels. We have heard much about sports coverage today, but about two years ago coverage of Leeds United was moved from BBC Leeds to Yorkshire Radio, a station owned by Ken Bates. I am sure that everyone will understand why he did that. The argument that we could hear the commentary on digital radio disfranchised a great number of people in the Leeds area, who cannot now pick up the Leeds United commentary. The BBC says that it could use digital stations, but many people do not have access to a digital set. More importantly, in some of the more remote areas it is difficult to pick up a digital signal. The BBC needs to consider why it exists. Its primary function is public service broadcasting. If the BBC is looking to save money, why do we need BBC 3 television? BBC 3 does exactly what BBC 1 and BBC 2 used to do—and what Radio 4 used to do, as many of the comedies that are now trialled on BBC 3 used to be trialled on Radio 4.