O fim do FM

«Ofcom today signalled the eventual demise of FM radio after concluding that other services such as mobile television could make more efficient use of the spectrum. In a discussion document on the future of radio, the media regulator said that it would also look at whether AM spectrum could be released for other uses; if radio stations should adhere to rigid formats and whether changes should be made to ownership rules.  The potential phasing out of FM radio has been pushed to the forefront of the agenda following the rapid growth in digital radio.  Ofcom said that new technologies such as mobile TV, further digital radio or data services meant there were now other potential uses for the spectrum.  "We have no immediate plans to switch off FM radio and would not do so without fully considering the impact on consumers, but in the long term other services may make more efficient use of the spectrum used by existing FM radio services and may provide a better consumer outcome," the regulator said.  "This could mean an end to the broadcasting on FM of those commercial and BBC services that are also available on digital."  However, it also added that the spectrum could be reviewed to include a different range of FM radio services, such as more community outlets (...).»

fonte: «Ofcom dials up FM's demise», Leigh Holmwood, Thursday November 16, 2006, MediaGuardian.co.uk