Menu
31/03/2010
Digital Radio Switchover 'Confused'
A powerful committee of peers has warned of a "major public reaction" against radio's digital switchover, scheduled for 2015.
The House of Lords Communications Committee said that unless the Government makes a better case for the changes and keep the public informed about its impact there will be problems as there is "public confusion and industry uncertainty" over the switchover.
There are currently between 50-100 million analogue/FM radios in the UK, which will become largely redundant after 2015 when national and regional radio stations are switched to a digital only service.
There are also around 20 million car radios that will require converters in order to receive a digital service.
The Committee express concern that due to the lack of public information people are still buying analogue radios which will be out of date in a few years time. They point out that retailers gave evidence stating that they are not getting adequate information on switchover plans so are unable to offer consumers accurate guidance when making purchases.
The report also points out that car manufacturers are still fitting analogue radios in new cars and digital radios will not be fitted as standard in all cars until 2013.
The Committee contrast radio switchover with the television switchover programme. They found that the benefits of TV switchover were well understood particularly as it enabled viewers to access new channels.
In contrast thay said that surveys show that the public are generally happy with the present FM radio system and with the range of programmes that are provided.
The Committee recommend the Government take urgent steps on a range of actions including providing a detailed plan for universal digital radio coverage including how it is to be funded; developing a policy for the long term use of FM; devising a help scheme for radio switchover financed by general taxation rather than the BBC licence fee; ensuring new digital car radios are fitted with a multi-standard chip to enable their use overseas and encouraging radio manufacturers and retailers to devise a sensible scrappage scheme for redundant analogue radios.
The Committee also recognised the importance of radio to the aged and disadvantaged groups and favours a help scheme for radio switchover, similar to that in place for television switchover.
However the Committee point out that take up of the Help Scheme for TV switchover for vulnerable groups is running much lower than forecast - at 18% rather than the predicted 65% - and the Help Scheme is heading for a major underspend. This money was raised through the licence fee, which is a regressive tax.
The Committee also point out that the BBC and Government disagree over whether the cost of universal digital coverage of their national stations can be met under the current licence fee. The report said that it is essential that a "firm and unambiguous" plan for funding the completion of build-out of the digital radio service is put in place as soon as possible.
The report concludes that given the amount of investment already made in digital radio, reversing the current policy would turn "confusion into an utter shambles" and said that, although achieving radio switchover in 2015 is ambitious, it does not favour a change of target date at this stage.
Commenting Lord Fowler, Chairman of the House of Lords Communications Committee, said: "Virtually all the witnesses who gave evidence to the Committee spoke of the need for greater clarity of policy in digital radio switchover.
"In particular the public are not being told what radio switchover will mean for them. Millions of FM/analogue radios will become largely redundant. Millions of car owners will have to fit converters to receive a digital service.
"It is urgent that the Government now settle policy and in addition step up their efforts to inform the public. There is a danger of a public backlash if this is no done."
(BMcC/GK)
The House of Lords Communications Committee said that unless the Government makes a better case for the changes and keep the public informed about its impact there will be problems as there is "public confusion and industry uncertainty" over the switchover.
There are currently between 50-100 million analogue/FM radios in the UK, which will become largely redundant after 2015 when national and regional radio stations are switched to a digital only service.
There are also around 20 million car radios that will require converters in order to receive a digital service.
The Committee express concern that due to the lack of public information people are still buying analogue radios which will be out of date in a few years time. They point out that retailers gave evidence stating that they are not getting adequate information on switchover plans so are unable to offer consumers accurate guidance when making purchases.
The report also points out that car manufacturers are still fitting analogue radios in new cars and digital radios will not be fitted as standard in all cars until 2013.
The Committee contrast radio switchover with the television switchover programme. They found that the benefits of TV switchover were well understood particularly as it enabled viewers to access new channels.
In contrast thay said that surveys show that the public are generally happy with the present FM radio system and with the range of programmes that are provided.
The Committee recommend the Government take urgent steps on a range of actions including providing a detailed plan for universal digital radio coverage including how it is to be funded; developing a policy for the long term use of FM; devising a help scheme for radio switchover financed by general taxation rather than the BBC licence fee; ensuring new digital car radios are fitted with a multi-standard chip to enable their use overseas and encouraging radio manufacturers and retailers to devise a sensible scrappage scheme for redundant analogue radios.
The Committee also recognised the importance of radio to the aged and disadvantaged groups and favours a help scheme for radio switchover, similar to that in place for television switchover.
However the Committee point out that take up of the Help Scheme for TV switchover for vulnerable groups is running much lower than forecast - at 18% rather than the predicted 65% - and the Help Scheme is heading for a major underspend. This money was raised through the licence fee, which is a regressive tax.
The Committee also point out that the BBC and Government disagree over whether the cost of universal digital coverage of their national stations can be met under the current licence fee. The report said that it is essential that a "firm and unambiguous" plan for funding the completion of build-out of the digital radio service is put in place as soon as possible.
The report concludes that given the amount of investment already made in digital radio, reversing the current policy would turn "confusion into an utter shambles" and said that, although achieving radio switchover in 2015 is ambitious, it does not favour a change of target date at this stage.
Commenting Lord Fowler, Chairman of the House of Lords Communications Committee, said: "Virtually all the witnesses who gave evidence to the Committee spoke of the need for greater clarity of policy in digital radio switchover.
"In particular the public are not being told what radio switchover will mean for them. Millions of FM/analogue radios will become largely redundant. Millions of car owners will have to fit converters to receive a digital service.
"It is urgent that the Government now settle policy and in addition step up their efforts to inform the public. There is a danger of a public backlash if this is no done."
(BMcC/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 January 2010
Lords Launch Digital Switchover Inquiry
The House of Lords Communications Committee has announced an inquiry into the progress of, and prospects for, digital switchover of both television and radio in the United Kingdom.
Lords Launch Digital Switchover Inquiry
The House of Lords Communications Committee has announced an inquiry into the progress of, and prospects for, digital switchover of both television and radio in the United Kingdom.
19 October 2004
BBC digitial radio goes 'above and beyond' expectations
The BBC has gone "above and beyond" what is expected of it by the government when it comes to the delivery of digital radio services, according to an independent report published today.
BBC digitial radio goes 'above and beyond' expectations
The BBC has gone "above and beyond" what is expected of it by the government when it comes to the delivery of digital radio services, according to an independent report published today.
27 April 2004
BBC publishes first report on digital TV switchover
The BBC has published its first report on the proposed switchover to digital television.
BBC publishes first report on digital TV switchover
The BBC has published its first report on the proposed switchover to digital television.
09 February 2011
BBC Radio To 'Extend Its Distinctive Appeal'
A BBC Trust review has concluded that BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 7 are much loved and highly valued by the millions of licence fee payers that listen every week.
BBC Radio To 'Extend Its Distinctive Appeal'
A BBC Trust review has concluded that BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 7 are much loved and highly valued by the millions of licence fee payers that listen every week.
11 December 2009
Asian Radio Presenter Murdered
Police in Glasgow are investigation the "brutal" killing of a radio presenter at her home. Nasim Jamil, who worked for Asian radio station Awaz FM, was found by family in her Byres Road flat on Wednesday. Strathclyde Police said she had last been seen earlier in the day. A postmortem examination is currently underway on Ms Jamil's remains.
Asian Radio Presenter Murdered
Police in Glasgow are investigation the "brutal" killing of a radio presenter at her home. Nasim Jamil, who worked for Asian radio station Awaz FM, was found by family in her Byres Road flat on Wednesday. Strathclyde Police said she had last been seen earlier in the day. A postmortem examination is currently underway on Ms Jamil's remains.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
