By Emmanuel Oluebube, Senior Correspondent, UK
Ofcom is consulting on the renewal of the UK’s two national commercial radio multiplexes. These multiplexes, operated by Digital One Limited and Sound Digital Limited, carry national commercial DAB services.
Digital radio is an important way for people in the UK to enjoy audio content. Recent RAJAR figures show that 42 million adults tune into digital radio every week.
Digital One’s national radio multiplex licence expires in 2023, while Sound Digital’s licence expires in 2028. This year, the Government gave Ofcom the power to renew these licences until 2035.
Ofcom is seeking views on three main proposals; in renewing the licences we intend:
- not to impose any additional coverage obligations, or require the provision of a new technical plan in renewing the licences;
- not to require the licensees to provide new proposals for how they would promote or assist the acquisition of digital radio equipment; and
- not to set a percentage of multiplex revenue (PMR) rate for the renewed term of the licences. This approach would require the consent of the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, who might direct us on a PMR rate to set.
The consultation does not relate to the BBC’s national digital radio multiplex, which is regulated under the BBC Charter and Agreement, or to local radio multiplex licences.
This consultation closes on 21 July 2022. Following this, we will set out our final views and a timetable for renewal of both licences.
