A glimpse of digital radio’s future in the UK was seen today with the publication of the UK governments Digital Radio Working Group (DRWG) interim report.

The DRWG comprises of key industry members including BBC and commercial broadcasters, radio manufacturers, car companies and relevant government departments. Their group was formed to find out what conditions were needed for digital to become the dominant radio medium, what the barriers are to growth and how to overcome them.

Their main recommendations are

• DAB is the most appropriate replacement for analogue
• National and regional stations move exclusively to DAB
• IP technology should be a key component
• FM should continue to be used primarily for local and community radio
• Government should set a timetable for migration to digital
• DRWG recommend criteria is completed within five years

Read the full report at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport website here.

On the topic of peering into the future, the picture above is a scan from a 1979 publication showing how our homes would change during the 80’s and 90’s. Enjoy an amusing read by looking at the full sized scan. Click here.