The communications regulator has launched a formal investigation into whether Manx Radio is meeting its licence requirements.
The Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority said the issue centres on whether the station’s overall output meets the required 40% speech content at specified times.
When Manx Radio Gold content is factored into overall programming, the authority’s analysis found levels fall below the required threshold.
The regulator previously considered whether the Gold service should be treated as a separate station but concluded it was “not distinct enough from the main Manx Radio brand, nor is it operated at sufficient distance from the core service to be considered a separate station”.
Requirements
Manx Radio is named as the Public Service Broadcaster under the Communications Act 2021, which carries more specific speech requirements.
CURA said attempts to resolve the matter collaboratively had failed, stating: “To date there has been no progress towards resolving this matter and it appears the authority and Manx Radio are now at an impasse.”
The investigation has been passed to the regulator’s Compliance & Enforcement Section.
The Authority said: “It will formally investigate whether Manx Radio is meeting its licence conditions and will determine whether any regulatory directions or remedies are required should a breach be found.”