Today seems to be a day of negative digital radio news - and not necessarily entirely accurate news at that. Be warned, I'm going to ramble on for a bit. If you can't be bothered to read it all, I sum up my point at the end.

An Open Letter to Rt. Hon. Ed Vaizey MP

First I read an open letter from Rob Mannion, the editor of Practical Wireless Magazine, which was sent to the Telegraph newspaper aimed for the attention of Mr Ed Vaizey MP and reproduced here:

Dear Sirs: With the right Hon.Ed Vaisey about to make a statement regarding the imposition of DAB radio on Band II v.h.f. radio services, to replace the practical f.m. broadcasts, it is to be hoped that the new coalition government have listened clearly to all the criticisms regarding the impractical technology and the difficulties of receiving DAB radio services on portable equipment using simple antenna systems (a service the public has been used to for many years).

With the much mentioned huge spending cuts announced by the government, it will be unfortunate indeed if pensioners and those out of work should face the prospect of buying new equipment - all made in Far East - that would most likely provide inferior reception.

I implore Mr Vaisey to take the opportunity to repeal the legislation that will force listeners to buy equipment that's not necessary, and at the same time will also send money overseas to support another country's economy. Keep the money that would be spent in the UK, keep the service that works so well on simple portable receivers and enable as many people to carry on enjoying the essential broadcast radio services as before with simple to use receivers that don't require large amounts of power to operate them and work efficiently. With DAB radio on Band II that's certainly not possible.

Please Sir - Dump the DAB on Band II.

Rob Mannion

Editor Practical Wireless magazine
Broadstone
Dorset BH18 8PW

Whilst the theme of the letter may be sound, I find the arguments put forward here to be quite surprising particularly the mention of the source of DAB products - the Far East. I fail to see the issue with electronics being made in foreign countries. It is indeed the case that a significant majority of our products are manufactured outside of the UK and I daresay this is true for analogue radio products. Yes it would be nice for the UK to have a thriving manufacturing industry, but at the moment it simply is not the case. The sale of digital radio products will still occur on these shores however and that will generate revenue for the UK economy.

I also take issue with the inference to expensive digital radio sets. Prices are falling all the time, and a DAB radio receiver can now be had for £20.00. It wasn't so long ago that the lower price was £50.00 and when I first obtained a DAB receiver, it was £100.00. Switchover isn't happening this year or next - it's pencilled in for 2015. That's five years for prices to fall further and for people to gradually replace sets. I'm sure also that as technology improves, so will the power consumption.

It also may be the case that people may choose not to replace some sets. With many digital radio stations broadcasting via digital television some may find that all the radio they need is already available to them in a post TV switchover country. Let's also not discount online radio.

Lastly in respect of this letter, if you're going to emplore a minister to listen to your viewpoint and in an open letter at that, it's probably worth at least spelling his name correctly!

The Daily Mail Jumps On The Bandwagon

The second source of negative reporting comes from that bastion of quality news(!) The Daily Mail.

The news report itself is linked to via Related Links on this entry, but the key points are thus:

• Motorists face a bill of £300 to install digital radios,

• the government is pushing ahead with plans to switch of AM and FM broadcasting,

• 100 million analogue radios will be redundant following switchoff in 2015

• New car head units cost £300; conversion kits cost £100

• Most ordinary homes have 2 or 3 radios

In typical sensationalist journalism, the body of the story contradicts the headline as can be seen in the points above. The headline that motorists will have to pay £300 to replace their radios simply is not true. Let's do some research:

I conducted a quick search through Google UK found a JVC DAB head unit for £148.99 - half the price quoted by the paper. Unfortunately, for a quick search, that was about the only result but one result at half the price is still not £300.00 in my book.

The Mail does mention conversion kits and acknowledges that these are cheaper than head units (there's the contradiction). More research again:

A search for the Pure Highway DAB receiver, which mounts on the windscreen and re-broadcasts a digital station on an FM frequency that any plain old car radio from the last 20 years can receiver, resulted in a number of hits. The cheapest source for this product (from a major known retailer) was Amazon UK at £68.00 - a whole 32% less than the cost of a conversion kit quoted by the Mail.

So we can clearly see that The Daily Mail is simply wrong with it's figures. It's also wrong stating that a switch-off of the analogue bands will happen in 2015 but this is more forgiveable. Major national and local stations are intended to be moved from FM to DAB by 2015. The resulting space on the FM band is earmarked for community stations. A similar prospect is on the cards for AM, but there is an intention to close this by moving community stations found here to FM.

As can be seen from the above paragraph, with FM being used for community stations it does not mean that all analogue radios will become redundant although it's true that the requirement for them will be reduced. There's no reason to fear that these will end up simply trashed though - old radios could be recycled and sent abroad to countries where digital radio has not become established.

So let's take a final look at costs. The article states that most homes have two or three radios (although a later quote mentions four or five, we'll go with the Mail for the purpose of this bit of maths). Let's say that all of these radios are replaced with digital sets. At the cheapest cost of £20.00, that's a replacement cost of £60.00. Adding on a new car head unit at £148.00 results in a total replacement cost of £208.00. Okay, it's still not cheap but that's every radio replaced for less than the cost stated for motorists only.

Going back to my earlier point about other sources of digital radio, we could perhaps assume that only two radios will be needed - one for the kitchen and one for the bedroom with the living room being served by digital television. Take £20.00 off the above total, that's £188.00.

There's five years remaining to replace these radios, so no immediate rush. The cheaper sets could be replaced over the next two years - easy enough by saving £1.70 per month. Then there's a further three years to save for that more expensive car head unit - £4.11 per month assuming prices don't fall.

What's My Point?

Digital radio is here and it's going to stay. I don't think there's any two ways about it, and at the moment 2015 is earmarked as the date when we should be using some form of digital radio as our primary method of receiving radio broadcasts.

DAB has its problems. At the moment, coverage is less than FM and there are issues around audio quality. Yes, receivers currently use more power than FM and yes, they do cost more.

All I ask for though is some perspective. There's five years for problems to be ironed out. Coverage can be improved, power consumption can be improved. Audio quality is subjective but there are solutions to that too (increased bitrates, codec changes), and a good quality DAB signal does provide generally better audio than a poor quality FM signal.

Whilst DAB is digital radio, digital radio is not just DAB. Satellite, cable and online services all provide digital radio and in many cases the audio quality is excellent.

It also occurs to me that perhaps there is some hate for DAB simply because it's not analogue.

I know I'm asking to much of our press, but let's look at the both the pro's and con's of digital radio compared with analogue radio and have a balanced report written in light of the situation we're in now - not as though switch-over is taking place next week and we're all being conned out of our hard earned cash.

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Tags: broadcasting, radio, dab, amateur radio

Following last weeks reports that BBC 6 Music had been given a stay of execution whilst further reviews are carried out; the BBC Trust announced its findings following the strategic review today.

The news is good:

"The Trust does not think a convincing case has been made, as presented, for the closure of 6 Music. The Trust does not agree that there is a consistent strategic rationale for closure on grounds either of promoting digital development or market impact" -- (BBC Strategy Review email 2010-07-05, 17:13).

The announcement that the station would be saved from the axe came at just before mid-day and spread like wildfire, with me becoming alerted to it mid-afternoon following a post by 6 Music on Facebook. The #save6music and #6music hashtags on Twitter have been buzzing and internet message boards have been alive with discussion.

There can be little doubt that the show of support from station staff, listeners, musicians and industry officials had an impact and it's good to see the Trust listen to those which it serves. But whilst 6 Music will not be closing, it's worth noting the following paragraph:

"the proposal has been helpful in highlighting the need for a further review of the BBC's digital strategy. If, as part of that review, the Executive wants to put together a different proposal for the overall shape of its music radio stations that they think could further increase the distinctiveness of the output, we would consider it." -- (BBC Strategy Review email 2010-07-05, 17:13).

This appears to mean that whilst the BBC has failed to put forward a convincing argument for closing 6 Music on this occasion, it does not mean that a new plan cannot be put forward, providing the distinctive output of BBC Radio is maintained.

Bearing that in mind however, today is excellent news for everyone who appreciates what 6 Music does. It's important that we all continue to listen to the station and to show that we do need it. Likewise it's important that 6 Music doesn't stand still and continues to ensure that it fulfils the remit for which we've all argued.

To round-up, I thought that a few quotes from 6 Music presenters would be appropriate. I've also compiled a small number of interesting websites which I've linked to this post.

I have just one thing left to say: Hooray for 6 Music and it's staff, hooray for the BBC Trust and a very BIG HOORAY for the station's supporters!

"A big heartfelt thank-you to all who got behind #save6music. Great day & all down to listener support. In the words of the band Yes: "Yes!" " -- Jon Holmes (@jonholmes1) via Twitter

"Trust report is great initial news received with tentative cheers. A huge thanks to all of you who expressed your love, we send it back x" -- Shaun Keaveny (@Shaun6music) via Twitter

"Just want to say thanks again for all your loveliness. Sort of gone a bit wobbly and overwhelmed here in the studio. X" -- Lauren Laverne (@laverneshow) via Twitter

"I didnt believe it would happen but the BBC has listened to its financiers! The British Public! You 'lot' (1 mil +) have been immense! Ta!" -- Marc Riley (@marcrileydj) via Twitter

"Its Official 6Music is saved. Top work everyone!!! #love6music -- Steve Lamacq (@lamacqshow) via Twitter

"We should do a toast and raise a glass to 6 Music and all who worked so hard to save her! #love6music #save6music #6music - To 6 Music! x" -- @Inside6music (Twitter)

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Tags: broadcasting, radio, 6music

It looks as though the BBC Trust are granting 6 Music a 'stay of execution' whilst further reviews of the service are undertaken.

This is good news. It means that the Trust are not simply going to rubber-stamp Thompson's proposal to close the station which, since the closure was announced, has gained over 1 million listeners and has heard protests from all corners - presenters, musicians, industry officials and listeners.

It doesn't mean it's safe though. This just means that a firm closure announcement is not imminent, but the station could still be at risk. It's important therefore for those who appreciate what the station does, to remain vocal in support and to continue listening. If the figures continue to grow, then the argument for keeping the station is stronger.

Of course, billboards like that in the picture found here: http://twitpic.com/1zj870 are a great idea. Can anyone get any more shown?

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Tags: broadcasting, radio, 6music

Media Guardian reports today that digital radio station NME Radio will close in it's existing form on all platforms; Sky, Virgin Media, Freesat and DAB. The brand will continue solely as an online music stream.

This is bad news for UK radio and DAB in particular. NME was probably the nearest commercial alternative to BBC 6 Music and distinctively different to its rivals. I had this station earmarked as my replacement should the BBC Trust decide to close the threatened network.

What this does show is that commercial radio cannot provide a station even remotely similar to the offerings given by 6 Music. It's a shame that the decision to close NME Radio didn't come a couple of weeks earlier when this could have been used as evidence in the Strategy Review.

Hopefully the BBC Trust will still look at this latest development and see 6 Music for what it is - a station that truly provides what commercial radio cannot; an eclectic mix of alternative, live and archive music from knowledgeable and respected presenters.

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Tags: broadcasting, radio

Caroline Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at the BBC, has made comments about the closure of BBC 6 Music and changes to BBC 7.

The Guardian report which details these comments is linked below, but I'm drawn to a few quotes from the article:

"The average age of its listeners - 37 - is at the heart of the demographic targeted by commercial radio", she told delegates at a Westminster Media Forum event.

I'm intrigued to know where the commercial alternative is for those within 6 Music's demographic. Around here, alternative music is played on stations such as XFM and Absolute Radio but the diversity of music pales in comparison to the BBC's offering. By closing 6 Music, can I expect new commercial stations to appear or the aforementioned stations to broaden their playlist? I doubt it. I'd like to be proved wrong, but I'd be very surprised if I am.

There were also questions, she said, about whether the BBC should run three popular music stations - Radio 1, Radio 2 and 6 Music.

Can 6 Music really be labelled is a 'popular music station'? It's not exactly playing Cheryl Cole, Pixie Lot and Scouting for Girls is it? A diverse playlist that leads the listener on a journey of musical discovery and appreciation is not popular music. A playlist that gives airtime to the struggling indie artist is not popular music. Yes, okay, there may be some similarities between these three stations particularly when considering the specialist aspects of Radios 1 and 2. The daytime playlist of those two though is unashamedly mainstream and safe.

...the money saved by the closure would be reinvested in radio, with a particular focus on digital services.

It's interesting that 6 Music is a radio station and a digital service. Am I missing the point?

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Tags: broadcasting, radio

The BBC has today announced cutbacks to it's services intended to save £600m which will be re-invested into programming and original content.

The victims of these cutbacks are the radio stations 6 Music and the Asian Network along with a significant proportion of the BBC's website.

Initially this was reported in the newspapers a number of days ago so the announcement is in no way a surprise but I wanted to wait until it was official before commenting.

I'm disappointed that the BBC deems it necessary to wield the axe over 6music. The station is exactly what a publicly funded broadcaster should be providing - a station that would not exist in the commercial sector. Absolute Radio and XFM are probably the nearest big commercial stations but these do not have the diversity offered by 6music. Losing this station will leave a gap that will not be filled.

Part of the problem of the station has been the number of listeners it attracts. I wonder if this problem is down to it's broadcast medium though. Personally speaking I listen to the vast majority of radio whilst in the car. I do not have digital radio in the car. I therefore cannot listen to 6music. I'd be surprised if this is not the case for many people, and therefore I do proportion some of the blame on to the fact that in-car digital radio equipment is not easy to come by (I've checked Halfords and they have precisely none). Most cars do not have digital radio fitted as standard. Until this changes, digital-only stations may well suffer from lack of audience.

The BBC's proposals have now been submitted to the BBC Trust and will be subject to a 12 week consultation period, so there is still hope for the station. If things go the wrong way though, 6music could disappear by the end of 2011.

The BBC Trust are accepting views on this consultation, so to petition the broadcaster to save the station visit:

https://consultations.external.bbc.co.uk/departments/bbc/bbc-strategy-review/consultation/consult_view

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Tags: broadcasting, radio

Tomorrow morning at 6am marks the official start of Heart Essex - the new name for the station formerly known as Essex FM, and Essex Radio before it.

It's not just Essex FM that is disappearing. Local stations up and down the country are receiving the re-brand treatment. For many, it's already happened. For the remaining few, the transition is completed tomorrow morning. As an example, other stations include Invicta FM, Ocean FM, Southern FM, 2CR, Buzz 97.1, Champion 103, Coast 96.3 and Marcher Sound.

This means that 33 stations now carry the well known brand. 33 stations will carry more networked programming and have decreased local output. According to The Guardian there will be 14 hours per day of networked content.

I will mourn the loss of the once local brands, but not too much. It's been a long time since Essex FM at least was a truly local station. Many times, when driving around England, have I tuned through the car radio and received the same programmes throughout the journey. Now, thanks to this re-brand, it will feel almost like one of the national stations.

The saving grace for localness comes in the form of breakfast shows and local programming between 1pm and 7pm. News is suffering though, with local opt-outs only between the hours of 6am-9am and 4pm-6pm.

I hope that local radio will be revived in the coming years as the switch to digital radio gathers pace. With the plan for major FM stations to broadcast solely on DAB around 2015, the vacated FM space will hopefully encourage new local and community stations.

So, although the brand Essex FM has already disappeared from the airwaves* I say now goodbye to the station that captured my interest in broadcast radio.


* There is now no official name - just a mention that Heart is coming. Tomorrow morning, from 6.

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Tags: broadcasting, radio

With the publication of Lord Carter's Digital Britain report comes the plan to switch off analogue radio by 2015. The plan is for FM stations to move to DAB vacating the VHF spectrum for ultra-local broadcast services. The MW spectrum would be vacated by those stations moving to DAB too or if they are ultra-local stations, then on to FM

This means that in the not-to-distant future, UK MW broadcasts will cease. It's unclear if this also affects LW and SW.

I find it quite sad that one of the oldest and simplest forms of radio broadcasting will soon be no more. Granted, audio quality isn't great (but it's fine for speech) and it's not as efficient as a digital signal, but the resilience for analogue radio is very important. Enthusiasts will know that usually a MW signal will travel far further than an VHF signal and that a receiver can be built from very few components cheaply and easily. This will surely mean an end to crystal sets.

There is a big issue over the equipment that will be left behind. There must be millions of MW and FM radios that will become pretty much obsolete come switch-over. This isn't like television where a converter can be plugged in - many of these devices will be car radios, table top sets and walkmen. All becoming useless. And what about the cost of replacement equipment? Digital radios are still more expensive than analogue equivilent. The battery life isn't as good either.

Overall, I think it'll be a sad day for broadcast radio when this switchover happens.

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Tags: broadcasting, radio

The clocks went back an hour today. It's when that happens you know Christmas really isn't that far off! It's 5:20 now and pretty much dark outside - this is what it's going to be like when I get home from work (Ok it's cloudy tonight so it might not be quite so bad).

I've been listening to Chris Moyles over the weekend, for the first time in ages using the Listen Again thingamy on Radio One Online. I don't usually listen much anymore since he does the Breakfast Show and I'm usually off to work before I can listen to 1/2 an hour.
I thought I'd have a listen to Wednesday's show because of the sad news announced midday Tuesday that John Peel died. It was quite a good show still with lots of memories from Chris and his team, and people texting in with their thoughts - and some half decent music.
Anyway, after listening to that, I decided to listen to listen to other shows from last week and they're still not to bad.

Other than that, it's been a quiet weekend. Went round Charlie's yesterday to assist with the assembling of some connectors in preparation for the new studio installation at HRC. Today has mostly consisted of tidying up my room and tiny re-arrangements - I moved my air cooler from my left side next to the computer cupboard to my right hand side next to the desk which is a bit more accessible me being right handed, plus it also creates a nice place for Kate's bean bag (which I tend to trip over when entering my room in the dark). I've also tucked the telephone extension cable under the carpet so it all looks a bit tidier now!

Later...NOT with Jools Holland... :-)

Kate found this rather amusing game about a drunken German (which means the language is German too - but don't worry you should be able to figure it out.)

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Tags: broadcasting, it's my life

Not much has been happening lately.

Today I did my first show on Galaxy 107 - another station in Northern Ireland, but this one plays something a bit more modern than Magic 105.
Today's show was voice tracked as probably most will be. Only problem really was that I had no text or E-Mail due to them not being setup so couldn't have the interaction I wanted. Hopefully next week these problems will be ironed out though.

It's been a quiet week other than that. Bought myself a pedometer last weekend to monitor how many steps I do in a day. Apparently 10,000 is the target to aim for, but this is harder than it looks. On a week day I seem to average between 1500 - 2000 steps. Obviously well short of the target, but even last Sunday when I went for an hours walk around one of the parks in Chelmsford, I only managed 5500 steps.

Looks like I've got some work to do there. Not quite sure how I'm going to manage 10,000 steps on a week day though.

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Tags: broadcasting, it's my life