A DCMS review suggests that 'radios' will be no more in the UK not long after 2030.
Radio’s audience must, it goes without saying, be central to the transition to a wholly digital and hybrid
future. So while an eventual switch-off of AM and FM networks will help to reduce the long-term costs of
dual networks, the transition needs to work for all listeners in all parts of the UK. AM - which according to estimates calculated for the Review now accounts for just 3% of all radio listening - has reached the point where the BBC, commercial radio and Ofcom need to prepare for the retirement of national services.
However, traditional radio, including FM services, is valued by many listeners - particularly those who are
older or vulnerable, drive older cars or live in areas with limited DAB or broadband coverage. On current
trends, therefore, the Review’s conclusion is that FM will be needed until at least 2030.
future. So while an eventual switch-off of AM and FM networks will help to reduce the long-term costs of
dual networks, the transition needs to work for all listeners in all parts of the UK. AM - which according to estimates calculated for the Review now accounts for just 3% of all radio listening - has reached the point where the BBC, commercial radio and Ofcom need to prepare for the retirement of national services.
However, traditional radio, including FM services, is valued by many listeners - particularly those who are
older or vulnerable, drive older cars or live in areas with limited DAB or broadband coverage. On current
trends, therefore, the Review’s conclusion is that FM will be needed until at least 2030.
Looking at the longer term, the projected decline in analogue radio listening (which Mediatique estimates
will account for just 12%-14% of all radio listening by 2030 according to their forecasts conducted for the
Review) means that the UK radio industry should begin preparing the ground for a possible switch-off of
analogue services at some point after 2030.
will account for just 12%-14% of all radio listening by 2030 according to their forecasts conducted for the
Review) means that the UK radio industry should begin preparing the ground for a possible switch-off of
analogue services at some point after 2030.
It says that DAB continues, and that AM/FM gets turned off. So, not quite "radio being no more".
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