Radio industry supports 2015 switchover

The radio industry has given its support for culture minister Ed Vaizey's commitment for the digital radio switchover to commence in the UK by 2015.

Later today, Vaizey will say in a speech that the switch from analogue to digital radio will begin within the next five years, but an exact date will depend on the takeup of digital services.

The minister will also unveil a digital radio action plan covering a range of areas to prepare British consumers and the radio industry for the switch to digital.

In response, various radio industry organisations have expressed their support for the coalition government's stance on the switchover, reports The Guardian.

Digital Radio UK, the body responsible for overseeing the radio switch, said that Vaizey's commitment is a firm signal that "radio has a digital future".

"We welcome confirmation of the new government's strong support for digital radio and the publication of the joint industry and government action plan. It gives us the certainty we need that radio has a digital future," said Digital Radio UK chief executive Ford Ennals.

"The focus on consumers, coverage and cars is vital and Digital Radio UK looks forward to working with government and industry to ensure the UK is ready for digital radio switchover."

BBC director of audio and music Tim Davie also welcomed Vaizey's commitment to the 2015 switchover target, which was first laid out in the Digital Britain report last year.

"We welcome the government's commitment to radio's digital future and the importance they have placed on the listener in any future switchover," he said.

"The BBC will, along with Digital Radio UK, work closely with government and the rest of the radio sector to deliver the action plan."

After all the national and regional stations have made the switch to digital-only platforms after 2015, the remaining FM signal would most likely be used for ultra-local radio services.

Andrew Harrison, chief executive of commercial radio trade body Radio Centre, said that the new coalition government clearly recognises the benefits of digital radio for listeners.

"Certainty around the roadmap to digital radio switchover will help all stations within the commercial sector to invest in the future, with larger stations migrating solely to the digital platform, while smaller stations continue broadcasting on FM," he added.

The switchover is expected to result in around 100 million analogue radio sets being left obsolete and around 30m car radios needing to be converted or replaced.

Paul Smith, general manager of digital radio manufacturer Pure, said that there have previously been "confusing messages" around switchover.

However, he claimed that Vaizey's commitment today gives "much needed clarity to consumers and the radio industry as a whole".

"It allows us to push ahead our digital radio plans with certainty in the UK and internationally where governments in other countries have made similar commitments," he said.

"Pure will work closely with other radio industry stakeholders to help deliver the government's action plan.
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