Radiocentre's Andrew Harrison: Crucial time for radio

The chief executive of the newly formed commercial radio industry body, the Radiocentre, has said the debate on the future of radio will switch from the BBC to the commercial sector in the coming years.

Speaking at yesterday evening's Radiocentre gathering following its New Year conference, Andrew Harrison told delegates the next few years were "a crucial time for radio".

He said: "Across the next few years, the debate will switch [from the BBC] to the commercial sector. Our chance to lead that is going to help set the landscape."

Secretary of state for media, Tessa Jowell, gave the keynote speech. She spoke of radio's unique selling point and its "uniquely intimate" bond with listeners.

"We all, for better or worse, wake up with John Humphrys in our bedroom each morning," she said.

For full coverage of Jowell's speech, see next week's edition of The Radio Magazine.