Department for Culture Media and Sport

digital radio switchover

A programme for digital radio switchover would need to protect the needs of listeners, and provide a radio industry fit for the digital age.

We have worked with industry and across government and other stakeholders to develop and agree the Digital Radio Action Plan.

The Digital Radio Action Plan

The Action Plan will provide the information to allow for a well-informed decision by Government on whether to proceed with a Digital Radio Switchover. A Digital Radio Switchover is the point at which all national and large local stations currently broadcasting on both DAB and analogue frequencies will cease to broadcast on analogue. Small local and community stations will populate the vacated FM spectrum.

Following a decision to proceed, the Action Plan will enable Government to decide when and how to deliver a Digital Radio Switchover and set the foundations for a successor project to implement it.

Key aspects of the plan include:

  • a detailed assessment of the impact of switchover, including
    • the costs weighed against the benefits for both the consumer and industry
    • how to ensure rural areas are not left behind
    • the need for a proper environmental plan
  • devising a certification scheme for digital radios, backed by minimum specifications
  • developing a marketing and communications plan
  • determining the case for a help scheme and how it might be implemented

View the latest version of the Action Plan with associated research and reports.