Age UK Digital Radio statement

Commenting on the Government's response to the Consumer Expert Group on the digital radio switchover Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said:

'Age UK welcomes the Government's commitment to conduct a Cost-Benefit Analysis of the impact of digital radio on consumers and also to research people's willingness to pay for digital radios.

'However, it is disappointing that the Government believes that 50% take-up of digital radio amongst all radio listeners is sufficient to begin the digital switchover. Age UK believes, in line with the Consumer Expert Group, that this take-up should be at least 70% before a switchover begins. As well as ensuring that over two thirds of listeners are already capable of receiving digital radio, it will also give people with multiple radios - such as many older people - time to phase in digital radios which is likely to be expensive.

'Over 80% of people in later life listen to the radio. Ensuring that the needs of listeners are taken into account is essential to stop thousands if not millions of older people who rely on radio for information and entertainment missing out.'

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Read the report on the Department for Culture, Media and Sports' website 

Notes to Editors

Age UK works in partnership with Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI. For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is inspired by the belief that it can improve the lives of people in later life. It celebrates ageing and believes it presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges at home and abroad. Age UK will challenge ageist prejudice in society, provide services that address market failures and support the public and private sectors to design age-friendly products and services. It will support people to remain in their own homes through campaigning and practical services and its Information and Advice service will offer millions of people support on a range of issues from claiming benefits to staying fit and healthy.

Age UK will fund biomedical research that helps tackle the ill health and poor quality of life that are too common as people age. Working with over 350 partners across the country, Age UK helps influence local decisions and delivers the most appropriate services. Its network of over 500 shops will act as a focal point for the local community, providing information and help with local services. Age UK works across the globe as well as in the UK, with its international partner, Help Age International, championing older people's rights and needs and as an active member of the DEC.

Media contact: Andrew Walker
Tel: 020 8765 7512
Out-of-hours: 07071 243 243