News

It seems a long time since 2009, when Lord Carter’s Digital Britain report proposed a target of 2015 for phasing out the radio analogue transmission network.

The stations are joining others around the country to fight for a Federal Government decision, to cut $1.4 million in funding for community radio, to be reversed. They say if the funding is not reinstated, they will have to turn off their digital broadcasts next year, meaning services will be compromised and some volunteer roles may need to be axed.

Digital radio or Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) has been with us since the early 1990's but the take up rate has been much slower than with digital television. DAB Radio, however, offers many advantages over standard analogue AM and FM radio. What's more, uncertainty surrounding DAB radio looks largely to have been lifted now that many of today's sets are fitted with DAB+ chips so that they can operate in those countries that have adopted the more advanced DAB+ format.

A DAB multiplex for Cardiff and Newport could be extended to cover the Heads of the South Wales Valleys if Ofcom approves a request. The change has been sought by multiplex owner Now Digital, who also wants to change the frequency it operates on to reach an extra 100,000 households.

In Sweden, the bill “Culture and Accessibility – Public Radio and Television 2014-2019” (Prop. 2012/13:164) contains proposals for digital transition guidelines for the three public broadcasting services, Sveriges Television, Utbildningsradion and Sveriges Radio for the period of 2014 to 2019.

Bush Australia has expanded its range of digital radios with two new designs that combine retro looks with the latest in modern technology.

With clearer sound and extra stations, digital radio (DAB ) is steadily gaining popularity with music, sports and talkback radio audiences seeking wider variety and a more enjoyable listening experience.

Onkyo presents the new CD Mini Hi-Fi Systems CS-255 and DAB-variant CS 255DAB.

The Funkkonzessionärin intends by 2015 to build DAB + antennas across Switzerland. This platform will enable mainly non-commercial and popular radio stations over the Internet the ability to broadcast services via DAB+.

A Bath-based pilot on converting homes to digital radio has been hailed a success ahead of a national switchover.