Job cuts likely for RMF FM after KRRiT pulls plug on local programming

Poland's largest commercial radio station Krakow-based RMF FM announced it may dismiss roughly 200 workers as early as next week. RMF says the possible layoffs come as the result of a decision made recently by state media watchdog National Radio and Television Council (KRRiT) to stop issuing licenses entitling radio stations to broadcast different local programming at the same time throughout the country. Industry observers say KRRiT's ban on the licenses effectively level the playing field between larger radio stations and local players, giving the latter a more competitive edge in their search for advertising revenue. RMF complains that since its newly issued license gives it the right to air only one program across its entire network, it won't be able to follow its original strategy, focusing on developing local programming, and competing for local advertising revenue. "We will have to close all local RMF radio stations. As such, around 200 people will lose their jobs," said RMF FM President Marek Dworak. Other major radio stations, including Warsaw-based Radio Wawa and Radio Zet, will also be subject to KRRiT's new rule, limiting programming to one central broadcasting schedule. (Puls Biznesu, p.4) A.Z.