The BBC's Director fo Radio and Music, Bob Shennan has told the RadioDays conference that digital radio is important as part of the mix of delivery mechanisms, but it is not the only important platform, therefore the BBC is no longer advocating an impending switch off of analog radio.

“We all once thought that DAB alone was the digital future of radio, but with changes in technology, we now know that DAB is important as a part of the mix, as well as Audio Over IP.

“We need to review the landscape again in a few years time before we switchover fully to DAB. Radio and listeners are best served by a ‘mixed economy…  DAB brought Britain more stations and has been part of the strategy to grow listening hours for Britain's radio industry and will remain important.”

The BBC is now commissioning digital-first content aimed at cultivating younger audiences.
 
“Last month we passed the million mark for our audio app… later this year we will bring all this activity together in a revitalised audio app from the BBC which will combine all our outputs into a personalised product…
 
“We want to create a new listening habit. This is not just desirable, it is absolutely essential.”
 
Shennan is “convinced” radio will “prosper” in the digital future, but urged all broadcasters to work together to “enhance the lives of UK citizens.”
 
“New technologies have the potential to transform radio again,” he said, focusing on new developments particularly in cars to make sure radio secures the digital dashboard.
 
“We must go faster and further to safeguard radio and reinvent it of the next century.”