Broadcasting: Digital Radio Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Broadcasting: Digital Radio

Lord Jenkin of Roding Excerpts
Wednesday 22nd January 2014

(10 years, 4 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Gardiner of Kimble Portrait Lord Gardiner of Kimble
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My Lords, it is clearly important that a positive momentum is maintained. Indeed, the Digital Radio Action Plan has been working extremely effectively over the past three years. In addition, on 16 December last year, the Government announced a package of measures on coverage, content and cars to support the next phase of the development of digital radio and provide consumers with greater choice.

Lord Jenkin of Roding Portrait Lord Jenkin of Roding (Con)
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Can my noble friend assure us that before the switchover, he will be able to guarantee that one does not get these periodic silences in the middle of a digital programme, which can sometimes be very trying?

Lord Gardiner of Kimble Portrait Lord Gardiner of Kimble
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My Lords, I think that interruption of any service, whether it is analogue or digital, is equally trying. A research survey in Bath suggested that there is a view that digital provides better reception, but we clearly want to ensure that as many of the population as possible benefit from digital.