Radio ga ga
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has decided that a 2015 target date for making a digital radio swap is ‘far too early' considering the amount of preparation required.
The report, which is put together by the Consumer Expert Group (CEG) said: "The target date for a digital switchover should be revised upwards as 2015 is realistically far too early for the necessary preparations to be put in place for consumers."
It recommended that an independent body should be set up to give the public the information they need to make the switch if the Government intends on phasing out traditional radios.
The report is pushing for a digital switchover date only to be announced when no more than 30 per cent of listening remains analogue and when coverage and signal strength issues have been resolved.
It also said no date should be set until DAB radios have been standard in cars for a minimum of two years and reliable solutions are offered for retro-fitting cars.
"Any switchover to digital radio must only happen when listeners are ready and when the industry has delivered what consumers need," said Leen Petré, chair of the CEG.
Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries added: "I am pleased we share the view that any switchover to digital radio should be driven by listeners. Consumers should lead the way to switchover and this is the key principle that drives the Government's digital radio action plan, this report will make a valuable contribution as we implement our plans over the coming months."