Broadcasters Welcome Expanded Digital Radio Spectrum

Radio broadcasters UBC Media and Chrysalis Radio this morning welcomed plans by media regulator Ofcom to expand the digital radio spectrum on local and national basis next year, announcing plans for the new bandwidth including video and data services.

The new spectrum space, which Ofcom said is intended to achieve “additional coverage for DAB local services and additional choice of DAB national services,” will begin to come online in late 2006, with licences awarded in 2007.

UBC this morning congratulated the watchdog on its decision, stating that it had lobbied for extra spectrum space to add “further momentum” to the uptake of digital radio, as well as creating an “opportunity for new audio, video and data services.” The company also said it was well positioned to benefit from the expansion.

Phil Riley, chief executive of Chrysalis Radio also added his support, describing the new spectrum space as a “very positive move” and “good news for listeners, and the right outcome for the radio industry.”

Ofcom proposes that the new spectrum be allocated in three blocks across Band III, completing the gaps in local multiplex coverage, in addition to one block for an additional national multiplex, all to be licensed under the Broadcasting Act.

Last month saw the Digital Radio Development Bureau release its five year forecast for digital radio penetration, predicting that the technology will continue to see dramatic rises in adoption as more consumers discover its benefits over analogue reception.

The industry body predicts that, by the end of 2009, there will be around 20 million digital radios in UK homes, up from 1.2 million at the end of 2004, representing a huge fifteen-fold increase (see DRDB Predicts Massive Growth In Digital Radio).

Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk UBC Media Group: 020 7453 16001 www.ubcmedia.com