Radio broadcasting: data and research

The Radio Society of Great Britain (‘RSGB’) have made complaints to Ofcom and BT Openreach on behalf of its members, predominantly radio licensed amateurs, stating that the deployment of very-high-bit-rate digital subscriber line (VDSL) technology by BT Openreach has resulted in interference to radio reception.

Spectrum Assurance analysis of BT Openreach very-high-bit-rate digital subscriber line (VDSL) May 2017

Ofcom produces an annual publication on the progress of digital radio in the UK. It is intended to provide an update on the availability, take-up, listening patterns, and attitudes towards digital radio, as originally requested by Government in 2010 as part of its Digital Radio Action Plan.

The Communications Market: Digital Radio Report 2017 (PDF, 173.1 KB) Nov 2017

The Communications Market: Digital Radio Report 2016 (PDF, 1.3 MB) Nov 2016

The Communications Market: Digital Radio Report 2015 (PDF, 732.8 KB) Nov 2015

The Communications Market: Digital Radio Report 2014 (PDF, 975.1 KB) Sept 2014

The Communications Market: Digital Radio Report 2013 (PDF, 782.7 KB) Sept 2013

The Communications Market: Digital Radio Report 2012 (PDF, 969.4 KB) Oct 2012

The Communications Market: Digital Radio Report 2011 (PDF, 472.5 KB) Jul 2011

The Communications Market: Digital Radio Report 2010 (PDF, 475.2 KB) Jul 2010

Ofcom commissioned this research in 2016 to inform its decisions about potentially offensive language. The research aimed to assess how perceptions of this language differed based on context, and by different demographic groups.

During 2015, Ofcom licensed and co-ordinated a trial of a new approach to DAB radio broadcasting which we are calling small-scale DAB. This document reports on the outcomes of the trial so far, particularly in relation to its three primary objectives, and sets out Ofcom's conclusions.

A report in 2013 explored the potential for lower-cost transmitting stations in support of DAB rollout.

In 2011, Ofcom commissioned Essential Research to explore the future of small-scale radio (PDF, 847.4 KB).

This annual report explores UK adults’ access to and use of connected devices, their attitudes and opinions towards television and radio broadcasting, and related areas such as advertising and regulation.

UK audience attitudes to broadcast media Sep 2016

UK audience attitudes to broadcast media May 2015

In September 2015, Ed Vaizey MP requested Ofcom to examine the scope to deregulate the licensing of commercial radio, in order to enable the Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport to consider consulting on options for legislation. Kantar Media carried out a qualitative research report on local commercial radio content to inform Ofcom's response.

To help develop a more accurate view of DAB indoor coverage the BBC and Ofcom agreed to jointly manage a research project in 2013 which would measure DAB reception in households across a variety of different coverage areas.

In 2013, Ofcom conducted research surveys into listeners' attitudes towards radio, and local radio in particular.

Radio: The Listeners' Perspective Jul 2013

Radio: latest audience research findings Jul 2013

Attitudes towards local radio Jul 2013

Radio: The Listeners' Perspective - A research report by Essential Research for Ofcom Jul 2013

Attitudes towards local radio (data tables) Jul 2013

As part of Ofcom’s review of its Broadcasting Code in 2009, research was commissioned to explore public views on the regulation of commercial references within radio programming (PDF, 660.4 KB).

This 2007 report undertakes, for the first time, detailed research into the extent of listening to illegal stations (PDF, 89.8 KB) and the reasons why people listen to them.

In 2006, Ofcom conducted market research into the radio advertising industry.

As part of its 2004 review of Digital Radio Ofcom carried out research into the listening preferences of younger people, aged 18-30.