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Press-releases Elly Plooij-van Gorsel:

Elly Plooij-van Gorsel (VVD):

"Disappearance of Classic FM possibly at odds with
European telecommunication rules".

Brussels, 2nd February 2001

The Dutch government will decide today on the parameters for the proposed auction of (FM) ether frequencies which is to be organised in September 2001. The question is whether the decision by State Secretary van der Ploeg not to allow two associated radio stations to both acquire radio frequency is not in conflict with European telecommunication rules. This is what europarliamentarian Elly Plooij wants to know from the European Commission.
Existing and impending European telecommunication legislation stipulates that ether frequencies must be allocated and assigned in accordance with transparent, non-discriminatory and objective criteria. The aim is to arrive at an efficient allocation.
According to Elly Plooij, the ban on an owner of two radio stations in acquiring more than one FM frequency is no guarantee that the scarce space available will actually be used efficiently.
"If the Commission agrees with me, Classic FM will still have an opportunity to take part in the auction".
Plooij thinks it remarkable that the State Secretary is sticking to his decision, as a majority in the Lower House and the National Competition Authority do not see any objections. "This confirms the point that the government is not independent when it comes to allocating frequencies. There is competition between public and commercial broadcasters. Then it is logical that Van der Ploeg would rather see Classic FM disappear. The government has an interest in a flourishing public broadcaster. The division of the radio spectrum can therefore, as with the regulation of the telecoms market, be better placed in the hands of a single independent body: the National Competition Authority", comments Plooij.
Plooij has already previously put critical questions (1, 2, 3) to the European Commission on the auctioning of FM frequencies for commercial radio stations. In contrast to commercial broadcasters, the public broadcaster receives frequencies free and enjoys priority. The answer is expected soon as to whether this is not hidden state support.

For further information: Ed Slinger (tel. No. 06-539 81 381)