ERC blocks Benfica FM switch to sports radio | OneFootball

The media regulator ERC on Thursday, 26 March, refused to approve a format change sought by BMHAUDIO PORTUGAL HOLDINGS for Batida FM in Amadora, Moita, Maia and Cantanhede, moving from a musical to a sports news format. Benfica FM will remain digital only.

According to Glorioso 1904, the regulator said the application failed to meet legal requirements on three fronts, a lack of pluralism and diversity, doubts over editorial independence, and the public interest test.

ERC concluded the move would not strengthen local radio provision in the affected areas, merely replacing one theme with another. It added that sports programming, by its segmented nature, could narrow the audience and would not deliver meaningful plurality.

The body also flagged risks to editorial autonomy and economic influence, citing Benfica’s significant role in shaping content as incompatible with radio law and the principle of speciality. It found the project overly linked to a single sporting universe.

It further considered the local information element insufficient to mitigate those risks, stressing that the hertzian spectrum is a scarce public good that must uphold pluralism and the public interest. Benfica has indicated it may ask a parliamentary committee to intervene after its objections to ERC’s draft decision were not factored into the final outcome.

Source: Glorioso 1904