1984 and all that: The impact of political change on Independent Radio in the UK
Authors: Stoller and Wray, E.
Journal: Communication Journal of New Zealand
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Pages: 22-36
Publisher: New Zealand Communication Association
ISSN: 1175-4486
Abstract:This paper traces the introduction of private radio in the United Kingdom and outlines the key events which transformed the public service commercial model, termed 'independent' radio, into today's fully-fledged commercial radio formats. In mapping this transition, the authors identify the importance of the 1984 Heathrow conference as the moment when private radio operators determined to challenge their regulator, the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), and seek a dramatic reduction in the programming regulations which they saw as constraining their commercial operations. This new era of deregulated commercial radio was enabled by political change under the Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher which transformed the socio-political culture of the country.
Source: Manual