[comradio-l] Support Digital Bill, says CMA

[CMA-L]

Source: http://radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.5550

The Community Media Association is urging all MPs to support the radio
clauses of the Digital Economy Bill.

The body, which represents over 200 stations, highlights the
significant benefits that the community radio sector will receive as
FM spectrum becomes available following digital radio switchover.

The creation of space on the FM spectrum will bring a host of benefits
to those stations, including allowing those currently on AM to move to
FM, room for new services to be licensed and launched, longer licence
periods, and access to better signal strength.

The CMA will also work together with the rest of the radio industry to
ensure that listeners have a seamless experience when tuning between
their favourite stations and will therefore be largely unaware of
whether a station is broadcasting on FM or DAB.

Jaqui Devereux, Director, Community Media Association, said: “Ofcom
has described the growth of community radio as a great success story,
with over 200 community services licensed since 2004. However, there
is still huge potential within the sector and the Digital Economy Bill
is an essential and enormously beneficial piece of legislation which
will enable community radio to further flourish and fulfil its
potential. ”

Ford Ennals, Chief Executive, Digital Radio UK, said: “Community radio
provides an essential service to listeners in every corner of the
country and I’m delighted that the Community Media Association has
lent its support to the radio clauses of the Digital Economy Bill. The
increased availability of analogue spectrum following digital
switchover will allow this hugely valued sector of the radio industry
to grow and better serve its audience, ensuring that FM will continue
to thrive.”

The Digital Economy Bill contains provisions to enable the
consumer-led transition from analogue to digital radio for national,
regional and larger-local services. A new tier of local radio,
consisting of small local commercial stations and community stations,
will then occupy the vacated FM spectrum.

CMA Press release:
http://www.commedia.org.uk/2010/01/20/digital-economy-bill-community-radio/

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