Radio group wants digital switch certainty

Commercial radio industry group RadioCentre has called for the Government to move forward on analogue radio switch-off.

It is not likely to be for some years but the organisation of commercial stations wants more talks and clarity.

The industry thinks certainty would bring investment and make carmakers and electronics manufacturers take digital radio seriously.

RadioCentre chief executive Andrew Harrison said Government delay was "crippling the industry". He is lobbying on the issue and said he was angry about the delay in any decision.

He explained that carmakers, retailers and manufacturers needed "regulatory certainty and clarity".

He added: "With around a quarter of people listening to the radio in their cars, motor manufacturers are key to the future of digital radio."

Harrison wants a working group of broadcasters, the Department for Culture Media and Sport and Ofcom to be set up by the middle of next year to take it forward.

Ofcom is currently completing its Future of Radio consultation which covers the switch-off issue.