UK government chooses Whitehaven as first place to go all-digital

UK Broadcasting Minister Shaun Woodward and Industry Minister Margaret Hodge have announced that Whitehaven will lead out the UK’s switchover to digital.

The analogue television signal in Whitehaven, Cumbria, will be switched over to digital in autumn 2007. Help will be available for older and disabled people. The plan for Whitehaven, which will be led by Digital UK, was confirmed in a letter to MPs, along with the detailed timetable for switchover in the Border region - the first to start the switch in 2008.

Residents of Whitehaven and the surrounding area will receive an extra 14 television channels and access to digital radio stations, all through their aerials. The Selkirk area, also in Border, will switch a year later in the fourth quarter of 2008. Switchover in Border will be completed in the second quarter of 2009, when the area served by the Caldbeck transmitter switches over.

Shaun Woodward said: “The people of Whitehaven will lead the rest of the UK into the digital future. They will be the first to experience the enormous benefit from digital switchover as it will happen across the UK. Over 15 million UK homes are already enjoying the benefits of digital TV, such as greater choice of channels, red button interactive features and better quality pictures and sound.”

Minister for Industry and the Regions Margaret Hodge said: “Digital switchover will help the UK maintain its position as a world leader in broadcasting. It will also ensure today’s current terrestrial broadcasting network is replaced by the best technology available, digital. Whitehaven will be a great opportunity to prove that we can give people all the information that they need to switch their TV equipment easily.”

Digital UK Chief Executive Ford Ennals said: “Today’s announcement puts Whitehaven at the forefront of the most exciting change to television for a generation. Switchover will significantly add to the choice of channels available and give people options in how to go digital. Digital UK’s job is to make sure everyone knows how to prepare for the change and that no one is left behind. In the coming months, we will be working closely with many different organisations in Whitehaven to ensure everyone is prepared for switchover and the benefits it will bring.”

Source: Media Network, Digital UK

Latest news stories..

• Get our news headlines for your website • Submit your news story