“Pop” Programmes For The B.B.C.

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31249, 22 December 1966, Page 13

“Pop” Programmes For The B.B.C.

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, December 21. The 8.8. C. is to be allowed to chase music fans with “pop” programmes.

The British Government yesterday gave a go-ahead for a lighter, brighter 8.8. C., but has rejected ideas of local commercial stations. The decisions were announced in a White Paper on sound and television published by the Postmaster-General, Mr E. Short.

Pop music will be broadcast on the medium wavelength, and plans provide for an experiment in local radio that, if successful, will eventually cover 150 cities and towns.

The Government hopes the stations can be run with local funds, without resorting to advertising. The decision to let the 8.8. C. conduct the experiment “implies no commitment” that it will run any permanent service, if one is authorised. The two decisions were a blow to the pop pirate stations, broadcasting from ships and structures outside territorial waters, who were hoping for permission te come ashore.

The pirate radios, which have been broadcasting for the last four years, look certain to be closed by legislation now on its way through Parliament. The Government has already successfully prosecuted two pirate stations

under existing law banning unlicensed broadcasting within British territorial limits.