Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey, outlined his ambitions for a “fully digital nation by 2015” this week.
Speaking at a high-profile conference on the future of digital entertainment, he outlined the “good progress” made within the automotive sector, but commented that there was still much to be done.
Welcoming the news as a sign of government’s commitment to the switchover, Paul Everitt, Chief Executive, SMMT, said he was “encouraged” by the Minister’s announcement, but reiterated industry’s need for a confirmed date for switchover, to ensure momentum is maintained.
At a parallel session of the conference, focussing specifically on the automotive sector, SMMT spoke alongside Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, Nick Piggott, Head of Creative Technology, Global Radio and Leslie Burrage, Managing Director, Roberts Radio on the latest digital radio developments within UK automotive.
Paul Everitt stressed the need for government to confirm a date for digital radio switchover as soon as possible and of the need for transition to be “consumer-led”. He further highlighted the importance of a government “digital radio tick”, to signify the minimum government-approved specification for digital radio products, thereby boosting consumer confidence.
It is expected that government will announce in 2013 the date of switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting, which is widely expected to be in 2015.
SMMT is working to support industry’s transition to digital radio through extensive engagement with stakeholders.
