The Flemish Media Regulator has imposed a fine of 7,500 euros on SBS Media Belgium, a joint venture between media companies Mediahuis and Play Media. Radio station Nostalgie+ broadcasts too much non-stop music. The majority of the programs also contain “hardly any presentation or variation” and are “largely interchangeable,” says the VRM. Nostalgie+ has replaced NRJ on the FM band since September 29.
On December 11, the VRM imposed a fine of 5,000 euros on SBS Media Belgium, with the order to comply with the Media Decree by February 15. Listening surveys followed, which show that “some improvements have been made to the broadcasts by SBS”, the VRM states. For example, there are two programs on weekdays, “with their own character and their own content elements and sections”, more traffic information, current affairs and interactive elements. The number of hours of non-stop music has decreased.
But that does not end the problems. Two programs is not enough, and during the weekend there is absolutely no live programming or interaction with the listener. The majority of the programs also lack presentation, variation and individuality. The interaction with the listener is based on emails and “rather modest”. The broadcasts therefore still cannot continue as a full-fledged program offering. And the number of hours of non-stop music is still too high.
That is why the VRM has now decided to impose an administrative fine of 7,500 euros. Nostalgia+ must comply with the Media Decree by August 15.