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Ways to listen to digital radio

The advent of digital technology has allowed radio listeners to tune into a wider variety of stations than ever before.

There are more than 170 digital stations in the UK alone, while you can tune into thousands more via the internet.

If you want to hear what digital stations have to offer, there are four main ways to tune in:

DAB digital radio

Around 30% of UK homes now have a DAB radio with models ranging from portable and personal radios, to Hi-Fis and clock radios.

Almost 8 million DAB radios have been sold in the UK and advanced models will allow you to record your favourite programmes and use a Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) to help you plan your listening.

You can find out what DAB digital radio stations are available in your local area by visiting the Get Digital Radio website.

Digital TV

All the digital TV platforms – including Freeview, satellite (Sky, BBC/ITV freesat, freesat from Sky), cable (Virgin Media) and broadband (Tiscali) - will allow you to listen to at least 19 digital stations through your TV set.

Broadband

You can listen online to thousands of radio stations from the UK and all over the world over a broadband connection.

Ofcom’s recent International Communications Market Report revealed that online radio listening in the UK is becoming increasingly popular.

It found that a third of people now listen to their radio via their home computer.

Internet radio

Another way to listen to digital stations is through a wi-fi or internet radio set.

These radios connect to the web through wireless broadband and will then allow you to tune into thousands of stations from around the globe.

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