Home > Media and Analysts > News Release Archive > News Releases - 2008 > Oct > 10|10|08

10|10|08

Ofcom statement on Channel 4 and DAB radio

Channel 4 has today informed Ofcom of its decision to withdraw from 4 Digital Group, the consortium which was awarded a licence for the second national commercial DAB radio multiplex last year.

Ofcom recognises that the economic environment is very challenging and that all organisations need to make decisions in light of the circumstances they face.

Ofcom and the Government have supported DAB through the licensing of services and Ofcom continues to believe that DAB offers listeners real benefits. There are now 7.7 million DAB devices in the UK with 11 per cent of all radio listening through these.

Next steps

Ofcom will meet the other members of 4 Digital Group over the next few days to discuss how they propose to take matters forward. Ofcom is also in discussions with other multiplex operators and the BBC, to consider how best to secure a viable outcome which is in the interests of radio listeners and the industry.

In addition, Ofcom continues to support the work of the Digital Radio Working Group which is considering the obstacles to the further take-up of digital radio.

ENDS.

Notes for editors

1. After receiving two competing bids, Ofcom awarded the licence for the second national commercial multiplex to 4 Digital Group in July 2007. The other members of 4DG are Bauer Digital Radio Limited, Carphone Warehouse Group plc, Sky News Radio Limited, Global Radio Ltd, UTV Radio (GB) Limited and UBC Media Group plc.

Back to top