Decentered Media reviews small-scale DAB impact on local radio

Decentered Media has published a briefing paper examining outcomes of the small-scale DAB programme and its implications for local and independent radio services across the UK.

The paper draws on regulatory data, market conditions and operational evidence from community and small independent broadcasters, assessing how the rollout has worked in practice rather than in principle.

It finds that while small-scale DAB has increased digital capacity in some areas, a significant number of services are unable to participate on sustainable terms due to transmission costs, multiplex governance arrangements, coverage requirements and ongoing financial liabilities.

According to the briefing, these pressures are creating a growing divergence between services able to absorb the costs of digital transmission and those that remain viable only through analogue AM or FM provision.

The paper concludes that current policy assumptions risk disadvantaging smaller, place-based services where the cost of digital carriage is not proportionate to audience reach, income potential or public purpose.

Rather than opposing digital development, the briefing argues for a mixed economy approach to transmission policy, suggesting that analogue licensing should continue to be considered a legitimate and proportionate option alongside digital platforms where spectrum remains available.

Commenting on the publication, author Dr Rob Watson said: “This briefing is not an argument against digital radio, but an attempt to document what the small-scale DAB programme has actually delivered in practice.

“The evidence shows that some services are structurally excluded by current cost and governance models. If policy objectives include diversity, resilience, and local accountability, then those outcomes need to be reflected in how transmission options are regulated.”

The document is published as a discussion paper for policymakers, regulators and sector stakeholders, and is intended to inform anticipated reviews of digital radio policy, transmission regulation and the long-term sustainability of local broadcasting.

You can read the briefing paper by visiting the Decentered Media website.