Image source, bbc

Joan McAlpine says latest change from Ofcom will make commercial radio even less local.

She asks about the localness consultation undertaken by Ofcom, external, where a majority of the respondents were against the proposal, with only the big players like Bauer backing it.

Why were the majority of consultation respondees disregarded, she asks.

Image source, bbc

Neil Stock from Ofcom explains the responses to the consultation was only one of the pieces of evidence that was considered, citing research the organisation undertook.

The consultation is never about just a numbers game, adds Mr Stock, who points out listeners don't normally respond to Ofcom consultations, its usually the industry who do.

Glenn Preston apologises to the committee for not notifying it of the consultation Ofcom carried out in June last year on localness.

He says Ofcom's response to the consultation has been evidence-based to reflect a dramatic change in the market, such as internet stations.

We feel the flexibility we have introduced responds to the pace of change on the media, he explains.

Image source, bbc

The latest review of Ofcom's guidance for local radio has meant fewer locally-produced programmes have to be aired.

FM stations which provide at least hourly peak-time local news now only have to have six hours of local programmes between 6am and 7pm, down from 10 hours under the previous guidelines.

And those which provide local news hourly any time between 6am and 7pm only need to have three hours, down from seven.

Ofcom said the alterations were due to changes in competition and listening habits across the radio sector.

Image source, bbc

The culture committee convener, Joan McAlpine welcomes:

• Glenn Preston from Ofcom, external
• Tony Close from Ofcom
• Neil Stock from Ofcom

The culture committee will shortly take evidence on local commercial radio from:

• Glenn Preston from Ofcom, external
• Tony Close from Ofcom
• Neil Stock from Ofcom

Image source, bbc

MSPs will then quiz:

• Graham Bryce from Bauer Media, external
• Peter Davies from Bauer Media
• Adam Findlay from DC Thomson Media, external

Read the committee papers here., external

The committee has previously taken evidence on local commercial radio on 14 March, external.

Image source, PA/BBC

Good morning from Holyrood Live on Thursday 16 May 2019.

The culture committee takes evidence from Ofcom, Bauer Media and DC Thomson Media on local commercial radio.

After general questions, we'll be providing extensive coverage of and live reaction to first minister's questions.

Then Tory MSP Alexander Stewart leads a debate on Community Pharmacy Scotland.

After lunch, justice portfolio questions will take place.

The final debate of the week will be on Brexit's impact on food and drink.