The ‘soap’ concerning the distribution of the FM-frequencies for the commercial radio stations has come to an end after years of political discussion. By virtue of a ‘comparative test’ the new frequencies were brought into use on june 1st 2003 for a period of eight years and three months. This has had a large influence on the market situation of radio. New stations emerged, other disappeared and in many cases other radiostations ended up with someone else’s frequency. Licenses for the four unstipulated FM-frequencies have been granted to Sky Radio, North Sea FM, Radio 538 and Yorin FM. The stipulated rural FM- frequencies were assigned to Business New Radio (news), ID&T (recent particular music), RTL FM (Dutch/European) and Sky Radio (non-recent particular music); Sky Radio has launched the golden oldies station Radio 103. The influence of the new frequency distribution on the radio market will be described in the report ‘Radio View 2003-2004’ that will be published in the course of 2004.

Introduction Radio View 2002 (December 2002)

Just as other media the radio stations have suffered from a economic decline in 2001. For the first time the constantly growing radio market experienced declining media expenditures. In 2002, the market shows slow recovery and increasing spending figures.

The conflict over the distribution of the FM-frequencies for commercial radio stations has continued in 2002. The future of the stations wanting a FM-frequency, but currently broadcasting on a AM-frequency, cable, internet and/or satellite, remains uncertain in 2002. But in 2003 clarity will finally be provided for all concerned market parties. The interim government will start with the distribution of nine FM-frequencies for commercial radio stations in January 2003, by means of a comparative test. The intention is that the stations will take their spot in the ether in the summer of 2003.

The radio report Radio View 2002 provides information about subjects, like the above. Radio View 2002 consists of two parts: a basic report and a supplement. The supplement contains quantitative information, e.g. listening figures, stock information, media expenditures, commercial rates and -costs.