U.K. Government Distances Itself From 2015 Analog Radio Cutoff

The U.K. government is distancing itself from the controversial 2015 date for an analog radio switch-off and making clear that the cutoff date came from the broadcast industry, not public officials. A 2015 cutoff “is the target that the industry thinks is achievable,” Ed Vaizey, minister for culture, communications and creative industries, told a conference Thursday. “That date is not set in stone. It will have to be driven by listeners."

The U.K. government agrees “that 2015 is appropriate if, and it’s a big if, consumers are supporting it,” Vaizey said. “We will only consider that date when more than 50 percent of listening is digital. In other words, when analog is in the minority. I realized quickly that this could turn into a major row. So I can say clearly that we will not switch off until the vast majority of listeners have voluntarily switched over."

There’s “a lot more work to be done” before the government can support a 2015 switch-off, Vaizey said. “Listeners are passionate about radio. We got a glimpse of that with the furor that followed the BBC’s announcement -- now reversed -- that it would close the Radio 6 digital music station. We have to allow people to make their own choices and there are a lot of barriers to be overcome.” According to Vaizey, DAB receiver penetration in the U.K. is only 24 percent.

Acknowledging the challenge of persuading car manufacturers to factory-fit digital radios and convert the many millions of analog-enabled cars on the road to DAB, Vaizey promised to meet “soon” with all the car makers. He also pledged to talk with radio regulator Ofcom about stamping out pirate radio stations in densely populated urban areas. The interference that their operations cause make it impossible to run DAB adapters through a car’s FM modulator. Vaizey said he also wants digital radios built into phones and mobile devices “by the end of 2013."

Vaizey outlined a DAB switch-over “action plan” that “reaffirms our commitment and gives certainty,” he said. The plan includes seeking agreement on a DAB coverage plan that will match FM’s reach, as well as a strategic marketing and communications strategy. Significantly, the broadcast industry group Digital Radio U.K. was distributing leaflets at the conference which state boldly that car makers have committed to “ensuring that all cars are digitally enabled from 2013.” But when we contacted the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, its position was less sweeping.