£21m to be invested in DAB infrastructure for local radio

In partnership with the government and the BBC, commercial radio groups have pledged to make an investment of £21 million in digital radio infrastructure.

The investment in local DAB to FM “equivalances” will take place over the next five years, with funding now guaranteed, and the final digital switchover date is to be decided in 2013.

A non-legally-binding memorandum of understanding has been signed by a host of interested parties, including Global Radio and UTV Media, who it was speculated might be unwilling to agree to the pledge.

Those who have agreed to the memorandum have also committed to producing further funding for the venture if necessary.

Ed Vaizey, minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries said of the news: “This is a positive and significant step forward for the future of digital radio in the UK.

“As more and more listeners make the switch to digital, it’s vital that we keep on increasing the areas able to receive a digital signal. Government, the BBC and the commercial operators are working together to ensure this happens.”

Five new multiplexes will be launched in Gloucestershire, Hereford and Worcester, Northamptonshire, north-east Wales, Oxfordshire and west Cheshire, which according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will provide new services to 1.25 million people.

Read the full Brand Republic article here.