2 weeks Ago By The Telegraph
Millions of listeners with digital radios are now no longer able to tune in to many popular radio stations, including the likes of Classic FM. Major channels are abandoning or have already abandoned older Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radios in favour of new DAB+ technology – forcing listeners to buy a more modern radio. It comes after many listeners were pushed to switch to digital after the Government announced ambitions to turn off the FM signal in 2015.
This will now not happen until at least 2030, but many digital radio models are now becoming obsolete as they can only pick up the DAB signal, and not the superior DAB+. Understanding DAB and DAB+ radio Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) has been a staple of the UK’s radio landscape since the mid-1990s, however, since 2016, DAB+ has emerged as a legitimate successor. The improved DAB+ technology offers: Troubleshooting DAB and DAB+ signal problems Although DAB+ is the superior technology, it can still run into similar problems to DAB radios.
Common causes of signal issues for digital radio include: Impact of DAB+ upgrade on listeners and stations More than 50m adults, or 87pc of those aged over 15, listened to their favourite radio station at least once a week, according to figures from Rajar (Radio Joint Audience Research) . Of those listeners, 43pc listen using a DAB or DAB+ radio, with a further 27pc listening through websites, apps and smart speakers. One third of DAB radio owners who listen at home do not have DAB+ capacity.
Around 10.1m UK households have a DAB+ set either at home or in at least one car, and there are just 4.8m DAB+ sets in homes, according to data from media regulator Ofcom.
The BBC has said it is “committed to continue to serve” those with DAB radios. Yet Classic FM turned off its DAB signal when last year, meaning fans now need a DAB+ compatible radio to keep listening. The channel, which launched in 1992 as a specialised station for classical music, is still be available on FM radio.
Bauer Media channels, including Absolute 80s and Planet Rock, are among those which have also made the switch to DAB+. The first DAB radio stations in the UK were launched in 1995 by the BBC. DAB+ shows, which offer better sound quality, began in 2016.
One radio producer at a DAB+ station warned that buying a digital radio secondhand could now lead to listeners missing out on their favourite channels. He said: “A lot of people who don’t listen to the radio anymore are selling those on Facebook marketplace or eBay and a lot of people think they’re getting a bargain. That’s because the ones sold in shops now, to comply with legislation, have to have DAB+ as part of what they can tune into.
” The producer said listeners often called in to the station to complain that they could not get their radio to play the right channel. He said: “It’s older people, people trying to be a bit thrifty. It doesn’t happen every day but it’s a fairly regular thing for DAB+ stations.
” Emily Jolley, an audio merchandiser for John Lewis, said: “DAB radios are seeing steady growth – up 4pc since August alone. This is driven by a few key factors, including customers future-proofing as more stations become digital only.” But although several commercial stations have made the switch, the BBC said it was “committed” to audiences listening through DAB services.
Classic FM was approached for comment. In 2021, a government review by the Department for Media, Culture and Sport recommended that FM signals should continue in the UK until at least 2030. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism.
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