Gov't "to support DAB digital radio"

The government has thrown its support behind DAB Digital Radio becoming "a primary distribution network for radio".

The interim Digital Britain report, which was published today by communications minister Lord Carter, said that a "digital migration" plan for radio would be announced only when 50% of radio listening is digital, when DAB coverage of national stations is comparable to FM coverage, and when local DAB reaches 90% of the UK population and all major roads.

Today, RAJAR results indicated that 18.3% of all radio listening was via a digital platform - a figure that includes listening via digital TV and the internet - with DAB alone accounting for 11.4% of all listening.

The government said it will create a "Digital Radio Delivery Group" bringing together shops, transmission networks, the BBC, commercial radio companies, car manufacturers, consumer representatives and device manufacturers "to increase the attractiveness, availability and affordability of DAB and to advise on the digital migration plan".

The plan itself will be subject to a cost-benefit analysis, and a special "independent expert examination" into the provision of all local radio services is also planned.