The report has certainly got media commentators everywhere worked into a frenzy given that following its consultation the 240-page report largely contains recommendations for further consultations. Nonetheless the fact that the BBC may finally have to share some of the licence fee is of significance.
The switch-off of analogue radio is something that is painfully overdue and the Digital Britain report has said that this should occur by the end of 2015, which is still a painfully long way off. Greater coordination among stakeholders, Ofcom and radio manufacturers is required for this to come any time sooner and thereby help the sickly radio industry.
Of equal importance is ensuring that there is compelling content on DAB-only stations in order that people see the benefits - much like Sky News has done for DTT services -on the principle that 'build it and they will come'. While Adam & Joe on BBC 6Music is enough to convince me that DAB is the future and offers an alternative to the other tawdry analogue-only breakfast shows, this may not be enough for everyone.
