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Speaking at the Drive to Digital: NOW conference held by Digital Radio UK and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) at BBC Broadcasting House, Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy,confirmed that 182 new digital transmitters will be built by 2016. He said “Digital radio is the future of radio in the UK and I am delighted that Government has been able to play its part in this major expansion which will help accelerate the transition to digital radio.”

The stats were reeled off by Ed Vaizey, minister for culture and the digital economy, this morning (6 February), who confirmed that 182 digital transmitters will be jointly built with the BBC by 2016, increasing DAB coverage from 72 to 91 per cent.

“The expansion of local DAB radio will get underway as the expansion of BBC national DAB coverage completes, with 162 new national digital transmitters being built to bring the coverage of BBC national stations on DAB to 97 per cent.

Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy, has announced the single biggest expansion of local digital radio coverage in the UK, which means that nearly eight million more people will receive their favourite local radio stations on DAB loud and clear.

The proportion of in-home radio listening via digital platforms such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB) radios grew to 46.2% in the final three months of last year, overtaking analogue (45.6%), according to the latest Rajar listening figures published on Thursday.

Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy, today (Friday) announced the single biggest expansion of local digital radio coverage, which means that nearly eight million more people will receive their favourite local radio stations on DAB loud and clear.

Gavin Oldham, Share Radio’s managing director, wasn’t keen on just launching online. “The Internet really doesn’t reach people the same way as doing it on-air. It’s been a real help to get live on DAB. It has a very large potential audience base. It’s helped us to get started very well.”

"The Superb SE Business model reinforces Skoda's commitment to providing business drivers with very well equipped, efficient and capable company cars," said Patrick McGillycuddy, head of fleet at Skoda. The options added onto the SE Business model are: DAB radio, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 17-inch alloys, sat-nav, dual-zone air-con, power-fold door mirrors, cruise control, a trip computer, Bluetooth and an umbrella in the rear door.

The day when the FM radio signal will be switched off is drawing nearer, the Government indicated, after the UK reached a “tipping point” in the conversion to Digital Radio UK.

In an interview with Le Monde, Marie-Christine Zaragoza, president of France Médias Monde (FMM) has confirmed the media company’s interest in DAB+ in France.