Despite the postponement of the launch of digital radio from May to the 1st of August, a large crowd gathered in Canberra yesterday to hear the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy tell the gathered heads of the commercial, community and ABC sectors “The Government is looking forward to the successful switch on of digital radio services in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth and will liaise with the industry on planning for regional digital services.”
Hosted by vega presenters, Tony Squires and Mikey Robins, the event featured a display of digital radio receivers, plus an overview of the technology; benefits for listeners and planning for the regional rollout of digital radio.
Commercial Radio Australia CEO, Joan Warner told the audience, “The switch on of digital radio across the five capital cities was the first step in the conversion of all radio broadcasters across the country to digital radio technology. The next step was to start planning for the rollout of digital services to regional Australia.”
In her speech, Ms Warner had a message for Minister Conroy, saying, “Radio broadcasters want to ensure that allocation of appropriate spectrum is a high priority for the Federal Government and that the allocation of spectrum for digital radio will take precedence over reallocation or sale of spectrum for new services such as wireless internet or mobile telephony and other uses.”
Expressions of Interest
Commercial Radio Australia regional members were sent an expression of interest for a regional DAB+ trial at the end of last year. Expressions of interest in the regional trial have come from Bathurst Broadcasters (2BS, Brock FM), Macquarie Southern Cross Broadcasters, Supernetwork, Flow FM, Coastal Broadcasters, Austereo and ARN (Canberra FM), West Coast Radio Pty Ltd (1116 6mm, 97.3 Cost FM) North East Broadcaster Ltd, Rich Rivers Radio and Tab Corp – 2KY.
Commercial Radio Australia is awaiting confirmation from the Australian Media and Communication Authority (ACMA) on where suitable spectrum is available for a trial – with two possible areas of interest being Hobart or Townsville.