[cma-l] Digital Radio - no FM switch off

[Jaqui Devereux]

Dear all

The CMA has been in discussion with Ofcom following various statements 
from big industry players in the press and at conferences where the term 
"analogue switch off" for radio has been used.   You will be pleased to 
know that neither Ofcom nor the government are even remotely considering 
switch off of FM after the BBC and other national and regional radio 
stations migrate to digital radio (not likely before 2018).

Ofocm has also reiterated its commitment to the future of community 
radio, as expressed in its Future of Radio statement - "there should be 
a community radio station for every community that wants and can sustain 
one" - and to over time finding a suitable digital solution for 
community radio.

Digital migration by the big players will free up a considerable amount 
of FM spectrum and hopefully enable the growth of the sector, both in 
the major conurbations where spectrum availability remains a huge issue 
and in rural areas.

We will keep you posted on future developments,

Best wishes


Jaqui


-- 
Jaqui Devereux

Director
Community Media Association

15 Paternoster Row
Sheffield
S1 2BX

+44 114 279 5219


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