Public File PF6

PF6 - Format

The following statement sets out points relating to the Format at Oasis Fm. It explains our approach with regard to monitoring our performance against our format in place.

Formats have replaced the Promise of Performance as one of the main tools by which a radio station's character of service is set and monitored.

Stations are regulated to a large degree by the spirit of the output rather than using mathematical equations. One of the criticisms of the old Promises was that there were too many percentages involved and, regulation is carried out using programming principles rather than calculators.

The Format can be regarded as the signpost for a station direction, leaving sensible flexibility for commercial decisions to be taken. We prefer to regulate with ears rather than slide-rules!

Formats are part of a regulatory regime which allows radio stations to move more freely within the boundaries created at the time, and to feel comfortable making programme changes within those boundaries. For example, Bank Holiday or special event programming changes had, under the Promise of Performance, to receive special sanction. Now, as long as the programming is still aimed at the target audience, such programming is seen as a boon to the listener.

Oasis Fm's Format:
Character Of Service

A COMMUNITY-ORIENTED MUSIC-LED STATION FOR EX-PATS AND TOURISTS OVER 25 IN THE TOURIST AREAS OF TENERIFE , HIGHLY FOCUSSED ON LOCAL ISSUES.

Detail

Local current affairs coverage is an important ingredient in the station, which aims to be at the heart of the Tenerife community. As such, the station's output will incorporate community information, travel reports, tourist information, sport and jobs information as appropriate.

Local news bulletins (minimum 1' 00” duration) will feature during at least weekday Breakfast, Lunchtime, Afternoon and Drivetime output. Speech will not fall below 20% of daytime output (15% at weekends) and will incorporate, as appropriate, specific news bulletins and programme content aimed at the Tenerife area including relevant community information.

Music output will be a broad spread of chart hits from the 60s to the present day. Current and recent (up to a year) hits will never make up more than 40% of the daytime music output. During non-daytime, specialist programmes may be broadcast to complement the main music mix.