Ofcom has provisionally blocked BBC plans to introduce new stations, while approving the launch of others. Following a consultation period, the media regulator rejected a proposed Radio 2 spin-off focused on music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, arguing it would have a detrimental impact on competitors including Boom Radio. The BBC was also prevented from extending the broadcast hours of Radio 5 Sports Extra.
Conversely, the public broadcaster’s plans to introduce three new DAB+ stations were approved on the grounds these would have limited impact on commercial operators.
While the combined listening hours of commercial radio stations have surpassed that of the BBC in recent years, the latest RAJAR results show that both grew in Q1 of 2025.
