Digital Radio legislative process begins

The parliamentary process has begun to formalise the promised switch on of digital radio in January 2009.

Legislation covering the licensing, planning and regulation of the new generation of radio has been introduced into the House of Representatives by Veterans Affairs Minister Bruce Billson.

Billson says the first digital services would use the European Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) standard, the most widely used system internationally and, importantly for a small market like Australia, for which a wide range of reasonably priced receivers was available.

He says the transition to digital was the most important strategic issue facing Australian radio since the introduction of FM: “The bill cements radio’s important position in the Australian media landscape, providing industry with the opportunity to invest in innovative new digital content and provide listeners with a rich and more diverse radio offering.”