ABC not participating in Canberra digital radio trial

The ABC will not take part in the Canberra digital radio trial. The decision is not a signal that support for digital radio is waning at ABC Radio, it is more about funding pressures at the national broadcaster. The ABC is lobbying for more money to pay for its new  digital transmission technology.

An ABC spokesperson has told radioinfo the ABC “remains strongly committed to the roll out of digital radio in regional and metropolitan Australia, including Canberra,” but the ABC has decided not to participate in this technical trial for digital radio transmission.

 

The spokesperson said:

“The capacity to install and broadcast this technology has been established, following the successful rollout into the five mainland state capital cities of a broad range digital radio services. 

“A trial would effectively encourage our audience to purchase digital radio equipment where we cannot guarantee an ongoing service. 

“The ABC cannot guarantee an ongoing service without a Government funding commitment. The ABC can only continue the roll out of digital radio services around the country if the Federal Government commits funding for the roll out of transmission outside of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. 

“The ABC will continue to lobby for this in the legislative review process required by 2011.”

 

The ABC’s decision will be noticed in Canberra.

ABC Local station ABC666 is ranked second in the market with an 18.5% share of the audience, and is heavily listened to by public servants, undoubtedly including those who work for the ACMA, the Department of Communications, and Treasury. They will quickly understand the ABC’s message.

ABC Radio National and NewsRadio are also well listened to in Canberra and, in the most recent survey, ABC Classic FM beat rival commercial stations 2CA and 2CC.