UK radio industry launches scrappage scheme

The UK radio industry is launching a radio scrappage scheme offering consumers a discount on a new digital radio in exchange for their analogue radio, which will be reconditioned and given to needy children in Africa.

The Radio Amnesty has been developed by the BBC with the support of Digital Radio UK, commercial radio, set manufacturers and retailers. Discounts will be offered on selected models from Alba, Bush, MagicBox, Panasonic, Philips, Proline, PURE, Roberts and Sony.

Participating retailers include Argos, Comet, John Lewis and Tesco. Analogue sets handed in will be donated to charities working in Southern Africa, or will be recycled.

The scheme runs from 22 May to 26 June 2010, and is being supported by a major marketing campaign developed by Digital Radio UK on behalf of the UK Radio Industry, which will feature on-air promotions (produced by AMV.BBDO) and voiced by Stephen Fry, Gaby Roslin and Noddy Holder.

Andrew Harrison, chief executive, RadioCentre, said: “The Radio Amnesty is a terrific scheme which will see many more listeners discovering the benefits of digital radio.

“The scheme has the full support of all the major commercial radio groups, including Global, Bauer, GMG Radio, Absolute Radio and UTV Media, as well as exclusive-to-digital services, such as Planet Rock, NME, Jazz FM and Panjab Radio, who are donating significant airtime to the promotion to ensure that our listeners know about this great opportunity.”