Lords Launch Digital Switchover Inquiry

The House of Lords Communications Committee has announced an inquiry into the progress of, and prospects for, digital switchover of both television and radio in the United Kingdom.
The Digital Switchover Programme, announced in 2005, will replace the UK's existing analogue television network with a fully digital television network between 2008 and 2012.
The Committee are seeking evidence that will enable them to make an interim assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the switchover process, the Digital Switchover Help Scheme and how effective the public communications campaign has been.
The inquiry will also cover the development of arrangements for Digital Switchover for radio, including outstanding technical issues and the views of UK broadcasters and consumers.
Lord Fowler, Chairman of the Communications Committee, said: "The move from analogue to digital networks is something that will affect us all. We want to assess how the television switchover process has worked in regions which have already 'gone digital', and how effective the help provided to consumers has been.
"Radio remains an important source of information and entertainment for many people. There are a number of issues to be resolved before radio switchover can take place. We shall examine the Government's plans and what needs to be done to meet the concerns of both broadcasters and consumers."
(BMcN/BMcc)