Ofcom finds Radio Wyvern in breach of Key Commitments

Worcester station, Radio Wyvern has been found in breach of its Key Commitments following a complaint to Ofcom.

Following the complaint, Ofcom requested recordings of the output between 18th March and 24th March 2024, as well as a programme schedule for the same week, music logs and an explanation of how the station was meeting its requirements under its Key Commitments.

Radio Wyvern’s character of service says it’s for young people aged 11-25 in Worcester, reflecting a broad section of youth culture, with output produced for and by local young people.

Ofcom found that the music was in accordance with the requirements and the breakfast show was presented by a young person from the target community, who the station explained, had been trained at the station and regularly presents the breakfast show.

Overall, Ofcom found that the station didn’t reflect a broad section of youth culture as required and the majority of content couldn’t be distinguished from a service for the general population of Worcester, with the exception of the breakfast show.

During the period monitored, there appeared to be no daily on-air content “tackling issues affecting, and of concern to, young people” as required.

In response, Radio Wyvern emphasised its comprehensive involvement in educational and youth-focused activities demonstrating its dedication to its community. It pointed out its strong ties with the University of Worcester, particularly with the journalism courses and supporting students from a local school, who help with writing and recording commercials.

It added that a panel of 30 students aged 14 to 17 from three local schools are involved in selecting the music that is played on-air and listed other ways it was involved with local young people.

The station asked if the character of service could be changed because the world “has changed drastically and beyond recognition” since it was drafted. It also said that young people are not listening to traditional radio, they prefer platforms like Spotify and other streaming services.

Ofcom noted this and said the Licensee may wish to request a change to its Key Commitments to better align them with the feedback from the target community. However, it found Radio Wyvern is in breach of Licence Conditions 2(1) and 2(4) and will be monitored to make sure it complies with its Key Commitments.