Press Releases & Press Packs

30.09.03

ABOUT THE BBC

Ten new digital radio transmitters now on air

• Around 2.4 million new people brought into BBC digital radio coverage

• BBC digital radio signal improved for almost two million more

The BBC switched on ten new national digital radio transmitters across the country in August and September 2003 as part of its commitment to increase BBC national digital radio coverage from 65% to 85% of the UK population by mid-2004.

Now the ten transmitters are on air, around 2.4 million new people have been brought into the BBC's national digital radio coverage, and the signal has been improved for almost
two million more.

The ten new transmitters added to the BBC national digital radio network are:-

• Heathfield (East Sussex) – brings the BBC's national digital radio broadcasts to 230,000 new listeners.

• Idle (Bradford) – adds 100,000 new listeners and improves the signal for a further 360,000 people.

• Piccadilly Plaza (Manchester) – adds 100,000 new listeners and improves the signal for one million more.

• Naish Hill (Chippenham) – adds 135,000 new listeners and improves the signal for 200,000 more.

• Manningtree (Ipswich) - adds 540,000 new listeners.

• Rowridge (Isle of Wight/Southampton) - adds 760,000 new listeners and improves the signal for 180,000.

• Dover (Canterbury/Folkstone/Dover) - adds 230,000 new listeners.

• Bromsgrove (Bromsgrove/Worcester) - adds 160,000 new listeners and improves the signal for 50,000.

• Salisbury - adds 65,000 new listeners.

• Bath - adds 50,000 new listeners and improves the signal for 170,000.

Digital radio listeners in the above areas will now be able to tune in to the BBC's portfolio of new digital stations – 1Xtra, Five Live Sports Extra, 6 Music, BBC 7, the Asian Network – as well as the BBC's existing national radio stations – Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 4, Radio Five Live, the World Service – and enjoy the benefits of digital audio broadcasting (DAB) with its robust reception and clear sound quality.

Listeners will need a DAB digital radio to receive the BBC's digital radio broadcasts.

Existing digital radio listeners in the areas should carry out an 'autotune' to scan and store the newly available BBC services in their set's station list.

For advice on receiving BBC digital radio listeners can ring 08700 100123 or go to www.bbc.co.uk/digitalradio.

Notes to Editors

• The BBC has five digital-only radio networks, all launched in 2002:-

1Xtra – the best in new black music

Five Live Sports Extra – the home of live sport with exclusive coverage of live events

6 Music – the best of contemporary and classic rock and pop

BBC 7 - the best of BBC comedy, drama and books from the archive

The Asian Network – news and music from the British Asian scene.

• The BBC's whole family of speech and music networks is also available on digital radio: Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 4, Radio Five Live and the World Service (in English).

• Digital radio offers very robust reception and does not suffer from the interference and fading that can happen with AM and FM radio.

• Digital radio is a more efficient means of broadcasting. More networks can be transmitted, offering more choice for listeners.

• Digital radio can transmit text and data with the audio signal. A small screen on digital radios carries rolling text telling listeners what music they're listening to, who's being interviewed, and giving phone numbers and e-mail and website addresses.

• Digital radio can be received via digital television (satellite, cable and Freeview) and through the internet, as well as through a digital radio receiver.

• There are currently 23 manufacturers producing digital radios for the UK market. Sony Europe recently announced it will launch a digital radio in 2004 – the first major Japanese manufacture to come into the digital radio market.

• Digital radios are available as tuners (i.e. as part of a hi-fi), portables and as car radios. Prices start at £99.00.

• Total UK digital radio sales have reached 175,000 sets (GFK data - May 2003).

• Digital radios are available from over 3,000 retail outlets across the UK (both large high street chains and small independent retailers) and can also be bought on the internet.

BBC digital radio launches in East Sussex (26.09.03)

BBC digital radio launches in Manchester and Bradford (22.09.03)

Radio - the digital future gets closer (23.06.03)

Freeview offers the BBC's eight television channels, interactive services from BBCi, as well as 11 national BBC radio networks.

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