The future of radio - is it digital?

142/07
22 November 2007

Digital radio got a boost with the launch of a new taskforce to discuss its future set up by Culture Secretary James Purnell. The expert and consumer working group will look at how to promote digital radio and increase the numbers of people listening to it.

Currently just over 20 per cent of people in the UK live in a DAB household with more than 5.5 million sets having been sold by the end of September 2007. Many more listen via digital TV or the internet but with an ever increasing selection of stations, the Government wants to encourage more people to listen to digital radio.

The Digital Radio Working Group, made up of key stakeholders including Ofcom, the BBC, commercial radio and consumer representatives has been tasked with considering:

  • Under what conditions would digital listening become the norm?
  • What are the barriers to growth?  
  • How can those barriers be tackled?

There are 18 national digital radio stations compared to nine national analogue radio stations. The number of digital-only stations will increase to 26 from next July when the 4 Digital Group starts broadcasting.

Mr Purnell said:

“Digital radio offers more choice to consumers and the British radio industry is leading the world in the transition to digital.  There would be great advantages for both consumers and business to completing that transition, but there are also a number of obstacles.

“I have asked the group to develop a consensus about whether, how and when those obstacles could be overcome.”

Ofcom Chief Executive Ed Richards said:
 
"Ofcom welcomes the decision to set up a Digital Radio Working Group and looks forward to making a full contribution to its work."

The Digital Radio Working Group will be holding meetings throughout next year and will report back in late 2008.

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Notes to editors

1. The chair and members of the group will be announced shortly but is likely to include representatives from:

  • Government
  • Ofcom
  • BBC
  • Channel 4
  • Commercial radio
  • Community radio
  • Manufacturers
  • Transmission operators
  • Consumer representatives

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