You've reached our premium or archival content
To access this page, and more great content just like it, you need to become a paid subscriber.
If you already have an account, please login.
Otherwise, registration is quick and you'll have access instantly after payment.
As a radio consumer and community broadcaster, I agree substantially with the view that radio, in all it's forms, is here for the foreseeable future.
Nevertheless, as a listening several have frustrated me.
Firstly, "DAB+ is [ not] growing fast in Australia". DAB+ digital radio is currently available in the five metropolitan capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. The digital radio signal in these markets is operating at full power and installation of additional repeater sites since launch in 2009 has continued to improve coverage. Low power DAB+ trial signals commenced in Canberra in July 2010 and Darwin in August 2010. That's right Canberra, the capital of Australia, and Darwin running in test mode for six years and counting. Moreover, I haven't picked up any DAB+ stations in the countryside either. Hardly, "growing fast".
Secondly, digital tuners, standard and high defintion, top boxes (STBs) and TVs have been ubiquitous for quite a few years, now. Yet if you press the radio button on your remote control, you'll just five stations: 2JJ, ABC Jazz, SBS Chill, SBS 1 and SBS 2. Again, hardly "growing fast".
What's perplexing is the total underutilisation of this platform. Is it ignorance? Virtually everyone has one of more digital tuners around the house. Therefore, broadcasters, especially commercial broadcasters, could be reaching millions of listeners all over Australia, especially in the country. No need for an expensive DAB+ radio. Given very few Australians can receive it DAB+, even now, why would you buy one?