UK prepares for digital switchover

The United Kingdom's Digital Economy Bill which will force all analog radio off the air in coming years has become law.

The move came barely a week after a British Parliament's House of Lords report questioned the wisdom of moving all national and regional radio broadcasting to Digital Audio
Broadcasting. It echoed many criticisms voiced over the bill, which is likely to consign all FM and AM radios to landfill in five years, except for listening to ultra-local FM stations.

But digital radio switch-over arguments are unlikely to cease for long time. This is because the new law constructs a framework of conditions rather than fixing a date. It requires Digital Audio Broadcasting coverage and listening-share to reach a certain level before FM switch-off can be initiated. This in turn will be followed by a delay before the
transmitters are actually turned off.

Source: ARNewsline, Electronics Weekly

During the week, the UK's Daily Telegraph carried an article titled  'Should you retune to digital radio?' in which the DT's Emma Barnett interviewed Ford Ennals, chief executive of Digital Radio UK. However, as can be seen from the email comments on the article, Telegraph readers were less than enthusiatic about Mr Ennals' plans.

Read: Should you retune to digital radio?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/7682990/
Should-you-retune-to-digital-radio.html

Practical Wireless editor Rob Mannion G3XFD is one of those who have grave doubts about the rush to digital radio, and was among the first to highlight the problems that he believes will ensue. He has launched a national campaign aimed at maintaining essential traditional analogue broadcast radio for everyday listening and for use in times of national emergencies.

Read Save Analogue Radio campaign
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/april2010/
save_analogue_radio.htm

• Click here to support the Save Analogue Radio Campaign