Digital Broadcasting: Radio
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the infrastructure funding required to extend availability of Digital Audio Broadcasting signal; and whether she has timelines for this to be delivered.
Answered by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
The Government recognises the vital role of radio in local communities and wants to support areas that are struggling to gain access to local services on digital.
Commercial radio and the BBC are responsible for the operation of their respective radio networks, including the DAB radio networks. This includes delivering coverage to areas and the provision of radio services to listeners as more listening migrates to digital radio and to online services.
Questions relating to the coverage and distribution of radio networks are currently being considered as part of the 2026 Radio Review, which is due to conclude by the end of the year. The Government will continue to work with the BBC and commercial radio on developing future plans for DAB coverage on the basis of the Review’s findings.
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