DTG welcomes digital radio action plan

The Digital TV Group (DTG) has welcomed the government's digital radio action plan for preparing the UK for the digital switchover.

Yesterday, culture secretary Ed Vaizey laid out the plan, which included various measures to gear consumers and the radio industry towards the migration of services to digital.

Vaizey also made a loose commitment for the switch to begin in 2015, with the digital audio broadcasting (DAB) platform then becoming the major conduit for radio services, along with online and digital TV platforms.

The DTG, which represents the digital TV industry, said in a statement that the action plan can "build on the success" of Britain's ongoing transition to digital television.

"We are confident that, given the experience gained by policy makers, stakeholders, broadcasters and the consumer electronics industry, this plan can build on the success of the Digital TV Action Plan and can deliver comparable benefits to consumers," said the DTG.

"Digital television switchover has driven consumer confidence in digital technology, and we believe that with the support and approval of industry, stakeholders, and most importantly, the consumer, 2015 is an achievable target for digital radio switchover."

However, the DTG agreed with Vaizey's assertion that the switchover can only realistically go ahead if consumers have confidence in the value of digital radio services.

"Consumer acceptance of digital radio must be underpinned by a strong and clear consumer communications campaign, a compelling service offering, near-universal coverage and reliable and robust products available to the consumer at affordable prices," said the organisation.

"The DTG looks forward to playing key role in the latest evolutionary step in UK broadcasting."