Ofcom is holding a consultation today on the renewal of the two national commercial radio multiplexes in the United Kingdom. Digital One Limited and Sound Digital Limited operate these multiplexes, which broadcast nationwide commercial DAB services.
In the United Kingdom, digital radio is a popular way to listen to audio information. According to RAJAR data, 42 million adults listen to digital radio every week.
The national radio multiplex license for Digital One expires in 2023, while the license for Sound Digital expires in 2028. The government awarded Ofcom the authority to extend these licenses until 2035 this year.
We’re looking for feedback on three main proposals: we don’t want to impose any new coverage obligations or require the licensees to provide a new technical plan in order to renew the licenses; we don’t want to require the licensees to provide new proposals for how they’d promote or assist the acquisition of digital radio equipment; and we don’t want to set a percentage of multiplex revenue (PMR) rate for the renewed term of the licences. This strategy would necessitate the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport’s approval, as he or she might direct us on what PMR rate to set.
The consultation has nothing to do with the BBC’s national digital radio multiplex, which is governed by the BBC Charter and Agreement, or local radio multiplex licenses.
The deadline for this consultation is July 21, 2022. Following that, we’ll present our final thoughts and a timeline for renewing both licenses.