Consultation on radio selection services: Ofcom's proposed methods
On 4 February 2025, Ofcom continued its implementation of the Media Act 2024 (the “Act”) when it launched a consultation for its recommendations to the Secretary of State for DCMS (Lisa Nandy) regarding the designation of radio selection services (“RSS”). RSS refer to services which enable the user to select between internet radio services (these are primarily smart speakers or connected car media systems).
Under the Act, Ofcom must provide the Secretary of State with a report recommending which RSS should be “designated” RSS, meaning they will be regulated and subject to “must carry” obligations (for more information regarding the proposed changes to designated RSS, see our article here). To guide its recommendations, Ofcom has developed a set of principles and methods on what Ofcom will use to designate RSS (such as user numbers, accessibility, service types). This consultation seeks input on these proposed principles and methods.
The consultation period is open until 18 March 2025. Following this consultation period, Ofcom plans to publish a statement in the first half of 2025. Additionally, later in 2025, Ofcom will consult on a notification process for internet radio services and the associated Code of Practice. For the most up-to-date timings on the various strands of work to be implemented, please refer to Ofcom’s interactive timetable.
We are watching the Media Act’s progress along the roadmap for implementation, so keep an eye out for our updates on our dedicated CMS Media Act Tracker. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the Media Act or how it may affect you, please get in touch.
