Ofcom research into illegal broadcasting in the UK
Ofcom has published (17/4/07) detailed research into illegal broadcasting – or so-called pirate radio – in the UK. The report examines levels of listening to illegal stations in Greater London, in particular the boroughs of Hackney, Haringey and Lambeth. The report also measures consumer awareness of interference to safety-of-life services and licensed broadcasters caused by illegal broadcasting.
Interference
The research found that 30% of all UK radio listeners say they have experienced some form of interference to their service. Of those, 14% believe the interference was caused by illegal broadcasters. In London, these figures rise to 40% and 27% respectively.
Almost two-thirds (64%) of all UK radio listeners turn off their radios or switch to a different station when they encounter interference. Some 2% of listeners who experience radio interference say they complain about it. This figure increases to 8% when listeners believe the interference is caused by illegal broadcasters.
The research found that six out of ten London adults surveyed were concerned when told that illegal broadcasting can cause interference and disruption to the communication systems used by safety-of-life services.
Listening
However, the report also shows that some illegal stations attract a substantial audience, with 16% of adults in Greater London regularly listening to them. Ofcom’s research shows that 25% of adults in Hackney, Haringey and Lambeth regularly tune in. Some 62% of listeners in these boroughs say that illegal broadcasters offer something different from licensed commercial radio and 40% say that illegal radio is community focused.
Under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, it is illegal to broadcast without a licence and under the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom is responsible for keeping spectrum free from interference. Ofcom takes illegal stations off the air by raiding studios and seizing and disconnecting transmitters and aerials. In 2006, Ofcom carried out 1,085 such operations and some 63 people were convicted of offences related to illegal broadcasting.
Illegal broadcasters transmit in the FM band. These broadcasts cause interference to the communications systems of the safety-of-life services, including the fire brigade and air traffic control, as well as legitimate licensed radio stations, such as commercial and BBC radio. There are also links between some illegal broadcasters and wider crime; Ofcom raids on studios used by illegal broadcasters have uncovered drugs and weapons.
Other key findings from today’s report include:
- listeners to illegal broadcasters are made up of all age and social groups; however, 15-to-24 year-olds and C1C2 socio-economic groups are most likely to tune in;
- of those listening in Hackney, Haringey and Lambeth, 55% are male and 45% are female;
- listeners to illegal broadcasters in these three boroughs are from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, with black listeners making up 49% of the group;
- overall, the music content of illegal stations is the main motivator for listening in London; and
- nearly a quarter (24%) of people who listen to illegal stations in Hackney, Haringey and Lambeth do so because they broadcast in languages other than English.
In addition to continuing its programme of enforcement action against illegal broadcasters, Ofcom plans to consult on new ways to tackle the problem later in the year; today’s research will help to inform the process.
Ofcom Chief Executive Ed Richards said: “Ofcom’s field force team works very hard to keep the radio spectrum free from interference for licensed users. However, we recognise that there is demand for content provided by illegal broadcasters in some areas of the country. This research will help shape our thinking on how to tackle this serious issue in the future.”
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