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Digital radio offers significant benefits for listeners, providing a wider choice of stations, greater functionality and digital quality sound. However, FM remains a strong and popular platform which will also continue for the foreseeable future.
The future balance between these methods of transmission, as well as internet-enabled listening, is a subject of much debate in the radio industry. RadioCentre works with radio broadcasters (commercial and BBC), multiplex operators, Government and Ofcom to ensure that the interests of commercial radio stations and their listeners are at the forefront of any decisions on the future of digital radio.
Multiplatform transmission
Maximise digital opportunities for commercial radio, and help facilitate the radio industry’s response to new technologies and evolving listening habits.
Digital future
Create a framework that supports a balance of digital and FM broadcast platforms
Coverage
Work with Government, Ofcom and industry stakeholder to ensure that the most appropriate coverage is planned for digital transmission.
Transmission costs
Seek reasonable transmission fees, to enable the radio industry to remain viable and profitable in the future.
Ofcom was asked, as part of the Government’s Digital Radio Action Plan, to consider the basis for FM and DAB coverage measurement and technical assumptions. RadioCentre stated that it was broadly content with these planning assumptions, but it may be possible to make some adjustments at the margins to minimise cost but ensure best possible coverage.
RadioCentre highlighted the benefits of digital radio and opportunities for radio from the Digital Economy Bill. But it also but acknowledged the need for stations on FM to have a more certain future, as well as the challenges of planning and funding digital radio coverage.
RadioCentre sought clarification on the nature and timing of some of the commitments expected by Ofcom, as part of the rolling programme of renewals for DAB multiplexes from the end of 2010.
RadioCentre supported the drive towards greater freedom for radio stations to organise how and where content is produced, including an increase in co-location and programme sharing that legislation will allow. However, ultimately stations should be measured on ‘outputs’ (content, local relevance) rather than ‘inputs’ (location, quotas).
The Government’s Digital Radio Working Group sought views on the challenges of growing and expanding digital radio, and how the market could or should develop. RadioCentre provided preliminary views on the incentives, criteria and limitations of a possible switchover.

Ofcom was asked, as part of the Government’s Digital Radio Action Plan, to consider the basis for FM and DAB coverage measurement and technical assumptions. RadioCentre stated that it was broadly content with these planning assumptions, but it may be possible to make some adjustments at the margins to minimise cost but ensure best possible coverage.

RadioCentre sought clarification on the nature and timing of some of the commitments expected by Ofcom, as part of the rolling programme of renewals for DAB multiplexes from the end of 2010.
RadioCentre highlighted the benefits of digital radio and opportunities for radio from the Digital Economy Bill. But it also but acknowledged the need for stations on FM to have a more certain future, as well as the challenges of planning and funding digital radio coverage.

RadioCentre supported the drive towards greater freedom for radio stations to organise how and where content is produced, including an increase in co-location and programme sharing that legislation will allow. However, ultimately stations should be measured on ‘outputs’ (content, local relevance) rather than ‘inputs’ (location, quotas).

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