The End For Radio


As many of you will know, the government is pushing to get Britain to switch from analogue to DAB radio, but what does this mean for blind people?

Many blind people rely on radio not only for information, but also for company during the day. It is repeatedly found to be the one of the top pastimes and we must ensure that it continues to be available to people with sight difficulties. The government commissioned a report by Lord Carter, the communications minister, which outlined the switch to DAB radio. Within the report information was published over a proposed digital help scheme for partially sighted and blind people to help them switch to DAB radio. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) state that this will be essential in ensuring adequate access for all.

Currently, the proposed digital switchover covers television only, however it is hoped that it will also incorporate radio. This is expected to be in place by 2015. A Consumer Expert Group in partnership with the RNIB is awaiting a decision on the matter.

The media and culture section of the RNIB welcomes ‘Digital Britain’, as long as fairness and equality of access can be maintained. Up to now the government has left many key issues unresolved, such as how blind and partially sighted people will be able to gain help for the switch. It is vital that this group of people are not left out of ‘Digital Britain’, as radio is their main source of entertainment.

There has already been a wide variety of help available for blind and partially sighted individuals when switching to digital television. The RNIB would like to see this level of assistance extend to the DAB radio switchover. They also call for DAB radio’s to be made more affordable and easier to use for people with sight problems, suggesting the use of a ‘kite mark’ to signify the suitability for blind users.

It was found that around three quarters of blind people felt they needed some form of assistance when using a standard radio. The RNIB feels that simple design changes such as fewer, larger buttons in conjunction with a simpler user interface could help many of the blind people in the UK when the switchover eventually comes.

11th November 2009

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