We’re taking part in the Westminster eForum on the Future of Radio today, and the debate about the switchover to DAB is hotting up. Here are the highlights:

• Andrew Harrison, CEO of RadioCentre, says speculation about the future of digital radio is totally fanciful while DAB coverage is non-existent in some areas

• More than twice as many UK households have a broadband connection than a DAB radio

• Five people have spoken so far, and not one yet is pro-DAB. We hope the Government attendees are listening

• It’s all kicking off now at the Digital Radio conference – DAB manufacturers are fighting back against the naysayers. Stats are flying

• Rather disturbingly, no-one seems to have definitive figures on DAB uptake/use

• Meanwhile, in the Commons MPs are debating killing off BBC local radio

• Don Foster MP says: “I am unremittingly excited and optimistic about digital radio, and can’t wait for a switchover date”

• Ford Ennals, chief executive of Digital Radio UK: “DAB coverage isn’t good enough and needs to be improved as a priority.”

• Just seen a sneaky slide from Digital Radio UK saying 84% of DAB listeners prefer its sound quality to analogue (small text: AM/MW, not FM)

More  - http://www.whathifi.com/news/dab-switchover-westminster-eforum-on-the-future-of-radio