What is the best way to secure the inclusion and accessibility of radio on smart devices? What is the current value exchange between smart device platforms and UK radio stations, and how is this likely to change in the future? What are the audience demographics for old digital (DAB) radios vs new DAB+ devices.

Background

The Media and Creative Industries directorate wants to probe and develop evidence for considering new funding approaches and business models across its sectors which can better ensure growth, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. As new challenges arise, it needs to develop a strong research evidence base to lead on policy and to support these sectors and their wider impacts.In terms of media, MCI needs to consider how best to support television, radio and the press sectors to adapt to the ever-changing media environment while maintaining a media which acts in the public interest and with social and environmental responsibility. The place of regulation and government intervention should be considered within this context. The UK has a reputation for the provision of a dynamic, strong, independent and safe sector where freedoms of speech and expression are supported. There will be a natural focus on the BBC over the coming years as MCI looks at the sustainability of BBC funding and prepares for the start of the next charter period in 2028.

Next steps

Get in touch with csa@dcms.gov.uk

Source

This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:

DCMS areas of research interest GOV UK

Related UKRI funded projects


  • Radio Connected: facilitating the delivery and discovery of all internet-delivered radio across all connected devices

    Through cross-sector collaboration, Radio Connected tackled several interconnected issues that have inhibited internet delivery of radio. The aim was to propose a modular set of applications to better connect internet ra...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: FESTIVAL PRODUCTIONS LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project focuses on improving the delivery and discovery of internet-delivered radio across all connected devices, which is relevant to the question about securing the inclusion and accessibility of radio on smart devices.

  • Radiodeck

    Internet radio has developed organically without agreed protocols, making distribution problematic for radio stations, and discovery a challenge for listeners. The generation of good quality, consistent metadata to descr...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: FESTIVAL PRODUCTIONS LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project aims to make radio discoverable online and stimulate innovation, which aligns with the question's focus on the future of radio on smart devices.

  • Small Site Digital Broadcast Radio

    The objective of this project is to undertake a live proof of concept trial of a new Digital Audio Broadcast architecture for comparative performance assessments and network interoperability testing. Affarii has develope...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: AFFARII TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project is developing a new Digital Audio Broadcast architecture, which could impact the accessibility of radio on smart devices and the future of UK radio stations.

  • Exploring innovative multi-platform broadcasting across radio and TV

    This project is led by established independent media production company, Gritty ltd, who since 2013, have built an extensive track record producing TV and radio content for all BBC Wales platforms. This project will enab...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: GRITTY PRODUCTIONS LIMITED