Radio 2.0

ROBERTS Radio and Frontier Silicon are working together to bring the first ever DAB/FM plug-in radio for iPods to the market. The device will be available in late autumn and will retail for around 49.99. All leading electrical retailers, both independent and multiples, are expected to stock the plug-in which allows you to tune in DAB digital radio or FM using your iPod. In DAB mode, a small screen on the device displays the name of the radio station.
With more than 13 million iPods already in the pockets of UK music fans of all ages, the plug-in is expected to boost radio listening on the move significantly. Radio plays a meaningful part in the media day of most people and combining the latest radio technology with the world’s leading MP3 player is a move welcomed by both the BBC and commercial radio.
Says Jenny Abramsky, Director of BBC Audio & Music: "One of the key challenges for the radio industry is how to ensure that radio is included in every device. I am delighted that the first ever DAB/FM plug-in for iPods will be launched later this year bringing radio to our audiences where they want and when they want it"
The commercial sector is equally enthusiastic. Ralph Bernard, Chief Executive of GCap Media, the UK’s largest radio group, says: "We recognise the importance of putting radio into new devices and of keeping the medium relevant for a new generation of listeners. Adding radio to mobile phones and MP3 players means the size of the radio receiver market can double overnight, leading to more opportunities to listen to radio than ever before. So, it is important for radio’s digital future that we are available to consumers via market leading devices like the iPod.