Fine and third VRM warning for FG-Xtra – RadioVisie
The Flemish Regulator for Media (VRM) imposes a fine of 1,250 euros on FG-Xtra in Antwerp (107 MHz) because it does not comply with the accreditation file. If this is not done by November 1 at the latest, the local station risks losing its recognition.
The procedure against gcv 107FM, the operator behind FG-Xtra, has been ongoing since the summer of 2021. The complaint came from the non-profit organization Radio Tele Randstad, one of vehicles from the radio network of Geert Bollé (Stadsradio Vlaanderen). The complaint was started in November 2021 and land issued and FG-Xtra was given until January 15, 2022 to settle.
Not much happened with that first warning, because the further follow-up by the VRM showed that only non-stop music could be heard on the Antwerp 107.0 MHz and that “clearly did not start with the basic conditions for recognition, nor with the content and the profile from the accreditation file of gcv 107FM solution is supported”.
A second warning followed and a second deadline, May 15, to correctly transfer the recognition file in the analogue ether.
Now there is another succession decision from the VRM. “From this listening survey, it appeared that gcv 107FM, in comparison with previous listening surveys, has some appeared in a positive sense. For example, Gcv 107FM provides hourly news bulletins during the day and, to a limited extent, also local information and news. It also broadcasts programs with a Dutch-language presentation during the day, in a morning block (three hours) and in an afternoon block (four hours).
“However, the listening survey also showed that a lot of non-stop music is still being broadcast and that there is a lack of active programming. direct broadcasts (apart from the programs present with English presentation of the still a formation), do not agree with the basic conditions for accreditation, with the content and profile from the accreditation file of gcv 107FM has been carried out prior to the accreditation decision.”
And so, despite the implementation, according to the VRM, the programming does not yet comply with the accreditation file and the conditions. Since it concerns the third warning, an administrative fine of 1,250 euros is also imposed, together with the situation at the latest on 1 Later, the local will withdraw the recognition. The decision of the VRM you can download here.