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15th December 2009

The implications on the motor industry of a move to digital radio were discussed at a seminar held yesterday by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Twelve leaders from the digital radio, political and automotive worlds spoke on plans for the introduction of the Digital Economy Bill, related challenges facing industry, technological developments and gave insight to the plans of broadcasters and traffic information providers.

In June, government published a report outlining plans that require all new vehicles to be fitted with digital radios from 2013 and every vehicle currently on the road to be digitally enabled from as early as 2015. Industry’s ability to meet this ambitious timescale is dependent on the provision of sufficient content and coverage by broadcasters and the availability of aftermarket digital converters for vehicles manufactured before 2013.

At the seminar, Mark Friend, Controller, Multiplatform and Interactive, BBC Audio and Music told attendees that,"There are certainly exciting opportunities ahead for in-car listening as radio goes digital, but all industries involved in radio have to work together to deliver ‘Digital Britain’. Broadcast digital radio is an efficient medium for mass broadcast as it is energy efficient and offers good signals for users on the move. To ensure all motorists can access digital services it is essential that there are strong signals on all major travel routes."

Jane Humphreys from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills spoke on the background of the Digital Britain report, and detailed the programme of action to be undertaken by each sector concerned. The need for close collaboration was echoed by speakers from Arqiva, Frontier Silicon and Trafficmaster.