Management from local radio groups across the UK met with the Minister for Creative Industries, Sion Simon MP this week to discuss the proposed digital radio upgrade, the upcoming Digital Economy Bill and the future of FM radio.
Representatives at the private meeting apparently left reassured that their concerns are being heard at the highest level.
Concerns include what will happen to local radio still using FM if the proposed [i]upgrade[/i] takes place in 2015.
The meeting took place behind closed doors to media, and just days after UKRD took themselves and TLRC out of the commercial radio body RadioCentre. They followed UTV Radio which resigned from the group last month.
Andrew Harrison, CEO of RadioCentre says it was a great opportunity for smaller stations to meet with the Minister face to face and put forward their concerns: "It is important that all our members have a voice at this crucial time for the industry. [Tuesday's] meeting was one step in an important process to ensure business certainty for our members and we are delighted that the Minister has offered to hold a further session with RadioCentre members in the new year, once the Digital Economy Bill is published."
Harrison added, "It was particularly helpful for stations to hear from the Minister how the consumer-led criteria for the proposed digital upgrade could be assessed on a regional basis; this is vitally important for any local station currently operating in an area where digital coverage and listening is below the national average."
