With the successful switchover to digital TV now complete, the Government plans to announce a decision on digital radio switchover near the end of 2013. Very much like digital TV switchover, this would mean that the majority of radio stations would move to digital platforms and no longer be available on FM and MW.
A switchover for radio would see the existing current analogue/FM spectrum switched off in favour of a digital platform with benefits allowing listeners to receive their longstanding FM favourites, along with numerous new digital only stations in digital sound quality on radio sets, car radios, internet, TV and smartphone apps. It will also enable increased radio functionality including: pause & playback facilities, one-to-one traffic information, listen again and scrolling text facilities, all of which will contribute to an enhanced audio experience with much greater control for the listener.
However, as the Government is keen to first understand more about what switchover might mean for households, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has commissioned Ipsos MORI, an independent market research agency, to conduct a radio switchover trial in the Bath area. Chosen for its excellent digital coverage, this is an opportunity for a wide cross-section of radio listeners in the Bath area to have their say on the proposals and to help inform the Government’s decision in 2013 on whether radio should join TV in the move to digital.
In particular the DCMS are keen to find out more about the experience of older people, those in assisted living, disabled people and the registered blind or partially sighted. It is thought that radio is of special significance to these particular groups.
Participants in the project will be asked to replace their existing analogue radios with digital equivalents for the period of the trial. The radios will be provided FREE OF CHARGE by the research company as will the relevant support.
Moss of Bath has been asked by the DCMS to be both the point of distribution for radio equipment to participants and to lend our knowledge and expertise to help those with questions on digital radio and conversion from analogue. In some cases Moss of Bath will be delivering radios to those who may have difficulty in collecting their radio from the store.
The trial will run for six weeks and participants will be asked to complete some simple questions at the beginning and end of the trial. All the information collected will be kept anonymous and used for research purposes only.
Distribution of the radios is due to start from Saturday 2nd February to Saturday 9th February in advance of the six week trial period. Once the trial is complete, all participants will be able to keep their radios.