Indian manufacturers have been urged to work with the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium to meet the future needs of radio listeners in the country.

Together with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the DRM team organised a one-day seminar in New Delhi on Friday to restate the opportunities offered by the current roll-out of the technology by public broadcaster All India Radio (AIR).

AIR is in the process of replacing and/or converting 72 MW transmitters to digital ones across the country which should increase coverage to 70 percent of the population.

The Consortium says it’s recognised that a lack of DRM receviers is preventing the mass take-up of the technology.

DRM representatives said a more developed “receiver eco-system” was needed and called on manufacturers to pick up the mantle.

Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Consortium Chairperson said: “While the DRM infrastructure is being rolled out in the country, getting closer to the Indian broadcast manufacturing industries is now vital and of the highest priority. It will benefit millions of Indian radio lovers.”