MPs across North Yorkshire are calling for clarification of the Digital Britain Bill and for the finer details to be disclosed.
The country's radio services are due to switch over in 2015, but in our county there will only be a limited number of digital platforms.
That means the future of some local FM stations maybe at risk.
York MP Hugh Bayley, Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh and Selby MP John Grogan are all writing to the Secretary of State for Broadcasting, Ben Bradshaw, for answers.
ANNE MCINTOSH - Vale of York MP
Anne's told Minster FM, "I support the Digital Britain Bill from the perspective of access to broadband in rural areas. A worrying trend is that the bill seems to be threatening local radio stations and I want to put 'on the record' how dependent MPs and the local community are on local stations to find out what's going on, especially in times of adversity like flooding, to get news items out into the public domain. Local stations have a great role to play and it seems one of the unintended consequences of the bill is that local stations are threatened. I will be taking up the issue with both the present Secetary of State for Broadcasting, Ben Bradshaw and MP Jeremy Hunt, the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport. I believe it's all about consumer choice and I believe the digital option should be an add-on to analogue and not an alternative.
Questions I want answering are:
- In areas of challenging geographic domain, like in North Yorkshire, what will the signal of Digital Britain be?
- Will we enjoy the same quality and choice?
Anne's told Minster FM these questions must be asked at the earliest possible opportunity.
HUGH BAYLEY - York MP
Hugh says, digital is the future of broadcasting and the Government is right to bring in laws to provide a framework for radio and televsision. I want to make sure that the localness of local radio is maintained and I will be asking the Secretary of State for Broadcasting two questions:
- Does the Government intend to switch off FM frequencies or will digital enhance the service?
- What will happen to those stations who use FM frequencies if digital is the only option?
It's important to get hold of the government minister before the bill is published for clarification.
Regarding the time frame of switching over in 2015, there's always a fear things won't be ready on time. The government's got to make sure everyone can benefit from a service when the switch-over takes place.
If the consequence of this is to have higher quality radio but fewer stations, I don't think that'll be something people will support. They want breadth of choice and quality. I'm sure the average person on the streets doesn't realise the impact the digiatal switch over will have on them. What they listen to on Minster FM is why you've got such a big audience in this area. It's a real local station at the heart of the community.
JOHN GROGAN - Selby MP
John says, as far as radio is concerned I don't think we'll be ready in 2015 to switch over to digital.
Even though many people have digital TVs in their homes it's a different situation with radios. New cars still have analogue radios installed as standard. It's just too short a time scale.
John says digital is gradually improving, but there are still rural areas of North Yorkshire that are isolated for reception. I think for a good while yet we'll need the FM/AM frequencies to remain alongside the digital expansion.
Anyone who's got a well established local radio station like Minster FM that's been serving the local community for years, the very least they can expect when the digital switch over happens is that that station is guarenteed a place on the digital platform.
John will be writing to the Secretary of State for Broadcasting, Ben Bradshaw. He says he'll be doing his very best to advocate the interests of local radio, in particular Minster FM, to the government.
I think it's important that Minster FM continues to thrive.
SO WHAT DO YOU THINK?
We're interested in finding out your thoughts on this issue.
If you'd like to get in touch contact either Tracy Gee or Gemma Dillon from the Minster FM News Team on 01904 486598 or via email news@minsterfm.com
Some of you have already spoken out and voiced your concerns about the digital switch-over:
Tuesday 12th January 2010 - Debate outside Westminster Hall
Scottish MP, Alistair Carmichael, has secured debating time at Westminster Hall on the future of local radio.
The debate takes place at 1.30pm and will be attended by York MP Hugh Bayley and Selby MP John Grogan who've both pledged their support to ensuring the future of local radio on a digital platform.
Vale of York MP, Anne McIntosh, is also eager to voice her support for local radio, but is unable to attend the debate.
All three MP's have spoke to Minster FM's Senior News Editor, Tracy Gee.
Selby MP, John Grogan
York MP, Hugh Bayley
Vale of York MP, Anne McIntosh
