FM war rages on in Brussels

The signal strength of the French-language radio stations in the Brussels-Capital Region was raised again last year, making Dutch-language radio stations in various parts of the region more difficult to receive. Flanders has therefore filed a complaint with the Council of State, media minister Sven Gatz explained in the Flemish Parliament.

The so-called FM war is a problem that’s been dragging on for years in Brussels. With FM radio in the region as good as full, the two language communities are forced to collaborate for their share of air time.

Former media minister Ingrid Lieten in 2013 signed an agreement with the French-speaking community calling for the frequencies to be clearly listed and fairly distributed. According to Gatz, however, the French-speaking community last year unilaterally decided to increase the strength of its radio frequency field. The Flemish Community has therefore filed a complaint with the Council of State in protest.

Gatz adds that, in spite of the official complaint, he is still committed to cooperation with the French-speaking colleagues.