Hopes of saving radio stations Essex FM and Breeze have suffered a fresh setback.

The powerful Radio Authority has more or less admitted its hands are tied in the stations' shock takeover by GWR.

So long as GWR keeps within Government guidelines there seems little the Radio Authority can do.

That's the verdict of radio fan Dallas Willcox, 50, after he wrote to the Radio Authority for help.

Mr Willcox, of Highview Road, Thundersley, received a three-page answer from director of programming, Martin Campbell, who claimed to have received a number of letters on the takeover. Mr Campbell points out that much of their information on the deal is "commercially confidential".

However, he says the purchase of licences by existing holders is not a matter which the Radio Authority can directly intervene in, unless such a purchase takes the licensee over the maximum points allocation.

On the question of staffing, Mr Campbell writes: "This is up to the station management over which the authority has no powers. We are concerned that stations operate within their remit.

"Which presenters or managers they employ in order to meet those obligations is a commercial decision they must take."

However, the authority is now urging the Government to take a new look at the present legislation. A White Paper is promised for later this year and Mr Willcox is urging radio listeners to lobby their MPs to see what can be done.

Mr Willcox commented: "It seems as though this latest takeover is out of the authority's hands as long as GWR stay within the rules. People who are concerned should make their views heard "

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