Today in Parliament, Aylesbury MP, Rob Butler, has stressed the importance of local radio stations, highlighting the excellent service that Mix96 provides to Aylesbury.
Rob’s question to Oliver Dowden MP, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, comes at a worrying time for the future of Mix96, following plans from Bauer Media to turn the station into a subsidiary of Greatest Hits Radio – a move that has attracted much criticism locally.
Speaking in strong support of Mix96, Rob said:
“Throughout the current coronavirus crisis, communities around the country have relied on their local radio stations, both BBC and commercial. In Aylesbury, Mix96 has been a vital and valuable source of information, building on its 40-year commitment to the town.
“So does my Right Honourable Friend agree that when big media groups like Bauer buy up small stations like Mix, it is imperative to balance commercial imperatives alongside a genuine commitment to serve communities with locally produced content, local news and jobs for local people?
The Secretary of State replied:
“I wholly agree with my Honourable Friend, at a time of rising misinformation and disinformation having reliable local news is a very important way of tackling that.”
