UK ready for digital radio switchover by 2017

The Government’s Digital Radio Working Group has predicted Britain will be ready for a switchover from analogue to digital radio by 2017. The switch to digital would be dependent on at least 50% of total radio listening using digital sets, it says in a report published today (December 19).

2008-12-19 08:58:39+00

The Government’s Digital Radio Working Group has predicted Britain will be ready for a switchover from analogue to digital radio by 2017. The switch to digital would be dependent on at least 50% of total radio listening using digital sets, it says in a report published today (December 19).

Chairman Barry Cox has called on regulator Ofcom to monitor the uptake of digital radio across the UK before the Government confirms its intended migration date.

The DRWG is also calling for more focus on encouraging motorists to adopt DAB in their cars. It recommends the Government looks at exempting tax from digital radios to cut the cost of sets and encourage take up.

Culture secretary Andy Burnham says: “We will study the recommendations made by the group very carefully as part of the wider work being undertaken for the ‘Digital Britain’ report.”

The Digital Radio Development Bureau says it welcomes the report and says the radio industry will work together to meet the report’s targets through an increased commitment to marketing, content and coverage.