Media regulator Ofcom has ordered Radio 1 to play more new music on daytime shows.
It follows a consultation earlier this year after Ofcom made proposals to ensure that Radio 1 and Radio 2 were playing new music when most people were listening to the networks, in order to make them distinctive from commercial stations.
The radio regulator has ruled that the youth network’s daytime output must include at least 50% new music with “a significant proportion from new and emerging UK artists”. The quota has been raised from 45% in the original proposal, while Radio 2’s new music threshold remains at 20%.
Both networks currently reach the quota – Radio 1 is at 54% and Radio 2 at 28%.
Ofcom has also taken into consideration the streaming environment that has affected the traditional fixed release date for a track. Playlists could face a higher rate of turnover from the definition of new music: a period of 12 months from first release or six weeks from the date it first enters the Top 20.
During the consultation, Global and Radiocentre had argued that the definition of new music should be after four weeks in the Top 20.
The ruling comes into effect from April 1.
Ofcom’s responsibilities include holding the BBC to account for delivering its mission and promoting its public purposes.
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