RA Publishes Timetable For Digital Radio

The Radio Authority has confirmed the timetable for digital commercial radio, which is set to bring a new generation of commercial radio services on-air by 1999. The RA has also said that it will be providing £100,000 toward the funding of further technical field-trials of the new digital technology, which will provide room for more radio signals, additional services and allow for clearer sound and improved reception.

It is expected that the radio ‘multiplex’ licences will be advertised in Spring 1998 and it is expected that by the end of the decade around 20 new digital radio services will be broadcasting alongside ‘additional’ text and data services.

The timetable in full is as follows:

• May ’97 – RA invites views on minimum digital capacity a multiplex provider will be required to allot to particular kinds of programme content.
• June/July ’97 – RA to consult upon the list of local areas to be advertised first.
• October ’97 – Publication of draft licences and notes for guidance
• Spring ’98 – First licence advertisements
• Summer ’98 – First licence awards

Radio Authority: 0171 430 2721