Digital radio undergoes major expansion
551d48a9-a35e-4ec6-a6d5-7eee76496d83
Music for your motorhome
If you were wondering what kind audio entertainment to have fitted in your next motorhome, then take heed of the latest announcement from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport. The local digital transmitter network is set to double and there are bids on the table for new commercial radio stations to increase listening choice.Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy, announced the single biggest expansion of local digital radio coverage, which means that nearly eight million more people will receive their favourite local radio stations on DAB loud and clear.
Speaking at the Drive to Digital: NOW conference held by Digital Radio UK and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) at BBC Broadcasting House, Ed Vaizey confirmed that:
• 182 new digital transmitters will be built by 2016 – this will double the network of local digital transmitters and increase coverage of local DAB from 72 per cent to 91 per cent – in line with commercial radio FM coverage.
• Ofcom has received competing bids from two major broadcast consortia – Sound Digital and Listen2Digital – for the new national commercial network (D2) – this will provide radio listeners with an extra 15 or more digital new stations which could be on air in early 2016.
• Radio listening figures – Rajar – show that digital listening has reached 37.9 per cent of all listening hours, compared with 20.9 per cent in Q4 2009.
Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy, said: “Digital radio is the future of radio in the UK and I am delighted that Government has been able to play its part in this major expansion which will help accelerate the transition to digital radio.”
The new transmitters are being jointly funded by the Government, the BBC and the commercial multiplex operators. Work to deliver the infrastructure, which forms part of the Government’s long-term economic plan, will start in March and be completed in the second half of 2016.
Ofcom plans to award the D2 licence by the end of the first half of 2015 and the new stations could be on air early in 2016. The new network will provide listeners with an extra 15-18 digital stations and increases the number of national commercial DAB stations from only four in 2009 to around 30 by 2016, including some on DAB+.
Looking to buy your very first motorhome? Order a copy of Buying Your First Motorhome for essential advice and information.
Recent Updates
Grab an eggstra special deal in our Easter Sale!
Subscribe to MMM or Campervan magazines and save 30% in our Easter Sale - hurry, though, as this offer won't be here for long! ...
Dolphin Motorhomes to host open weekend in April
Enjoy special offers on superb campervans and motorhomes, including the brand-new Swift Trekker and Trekker ...
Motorhome and campervan stopover trialled in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire County Council has approved a trial scheme to provide overnight stopovers for motorhomes and ...
A spotlight on Lamilux, the brand shielding your motorhome from UV damage
Here, we take a deep dive on the German brand engineering the high-tech and award-winning materials for ...
January 2024 MMM competition winners
Here's a list of winners for the January 2024 MMM puzzles and competition ...
New Swift campervan for 2024: Full details revealed
This exciting new campervan showcases some clever details and a fresh new design from Swift ...
December 2023 MMM competition winners
Here's a list of winners for the December 2023 MMM puzzles and competition ...
Behind the motorhome scenes: Laika SpA interview
We talk to Michel Vuillermoz, Head of Product Management, Laika Caravans S.p.A about the new direction it is ...
November 2023 MMM competition winners
Here's a list of winners for the November 2023 MMM puzzles and competition ...
Buying Your Perfect Motorhome 2024 on sale now
Planning to buy a new motorhome or campervan this year? The latest 2024 Buying Your Perfect Motorhome guide ...
Other News
Campervan converter spotlight: Spartan Campers
We meet the owners of Midlands-based campervan converter, Spartan Campers, and find out what makes them tick ...
Compact motorhome for a family: Rimor's Kilig 4
It would be a challenge to find a more compact motorhome at a better price that could genuinely work for a ...
Roller Team launches new Livingstone campervan
Italian brand, Roller Team, is all set to launch two new sensibly priced campervan models in the UK for the ...
Treat that special someone this Valentine's Day
A subscription to MMM or Campervan magazine is the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life, or ...
Top up your motorhome or campervan gas at Marquis Durham
Campervan or motorhome owners with refillable LPG gas tanks or cylinders can now top up their supply at the ...
October 2023 MMM competition winners
Here's a list of winners for the October 2023 MMM puzzles and competition ...
Don't miss the latest issue of MMM magazine!
You can get the March 2024 issue of MMM here today ...
The latest What Motorhome issue is here!
Grab your copy of What Motorhome March 2024 today ...
New motorhome manufacturers and all-new campervans and motorhomes confirmed for NEC show
The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show returns to the NEC, Birmingham, from 13 to 18 February, and there will ...
The Excel range returns to the Auto-Trail fold
Over 10 years ago, Auto-Trail had a range of entry-level compact models, aimed at a younger ...