Digital switchover - Parliamentary Culture Media and Sports Cttee hearings

[DracoM]

> "The Committee is aware of significant concerns among both broadcasters—especially smaller and local commercial stations—and radio listeners about the impact of digital broadcasting. It has therefore decided to hold a short inquiry into the implications of the Government’s proposals in relation to digital radio broadcasting, which are expected to be announced within the next three weeks.
>
> The detailed terms of reference for this inquiry, and instructions on how to submit written evidence, will be issued when the details of the Government’s proposals are known.
>
> The Committee is expected to take oral evidence in relation to this inquiry in January 2014"

https://www.parliament.uk/cmscom

[french frank]

> "The Committee is aware of significant concerns among both broadcasters—especially smaller and local commercial stations—and radio listeners about the impact of digital broadcasting. It has therefore decided to hold a short inquiry into the implications of the Government’s proposals in relation to digital radio broadcasting, which are expected to be announced within the next three weeks.
>
> The detailed terms of reference for this inquiry, and instructions on how to submit written evidence, will be issued when the details of the Government’s proposals are known.
>
> The Committee is expected to take oral evidence in relation to this inquiry in January 2014"

www.parliament.uk/cmscom

That's interesting - I wonder what they're going to come up with.

[Gordon]

Vaizey is supposed to be making an announcement on December 16th at an invitation only [press involved] Digital Radio conference at BH that was sold out weeks ago. No doubt the results will be published in the press on 17th. Meanwhile see these:

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/nov/29/ed-vaizey-delays-digital-radio-switchover-date

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/nov/28/analogue-digital-radio-switch-hit-poor

and remember that the "announcement" is not to give a date for switchover but to decide whether or not to commit to DRSO at all. Hansard has a record of the adjournment debate last week:

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2013-11-28b.518.0

with Vaizey's statement included.

This committee is expected to call the minister to account for his proposals and are probably doing a covering backs move as a result of the scepticism over DRSO. The committee is not being specific about what it may do, ie its ToR etc, and so this is a shot across Vaizey's bow at this time and a hint that he needs to get his rather wayward ducks in a row. One thing they might ask him is: Where is that CBA you've been promising for the past 2 years? Surely any decision worth the making must be informed by such a thing?

I can't believe that the committee is unaware of the issues here and also unaware of what Vaizey may say. This business has been limping along for a long time and there is ample record of the debate. Vaizey's in a spot: he can't easily go back [ie drop the whole thing] and he has insufficient evidence to support forging ahead either. A decision not to decide would seem a likely outcome but that will help no-one but the sceptics. Industry in general [including the receiver manufacturers and car manufacturers - see SMMT web site for their take] is fully aware of the slow take up and will not wish to commit itself either. DRUK is the main driving force.

Whilst we are aware of the debate recorded on this board and elsewhere over many months and the odd newspaper article the average listener/consumer is still unaware of the proposed DRSO.

PS: note the BBC Annual report document on that web page.