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The UK's radio industry is seemly divided over the recent landmark Digital Economy Act. Whilst the sectors big boys have embraced the act a consortium of fourteen smaller radio stations the shut down much of the FM network by 2015 will have a detrimental affect on them, and that their "ability to operate in the future is directly challenged by the digital radio switchover proposals". The boss of the body charged with the task of turning us all on to Digital Audio Broadcasting, Digital Radio UK's Ford Ennals, told reporters: "We welcome the clear policy direction and legislative framework that is now in place giving us a foundation upon which to build a secure and prosperous future for radio and significant benefits for listeners. The switch to digital radio will also deliver opportunities for growth and greater competition within the industry as more commercial stations gain the ability to transmit nationally, and community and small local radio stations gain greater access to FM". Meanwhile, The Guardian had a quote from one of the BBC execs spearheading the growth of digital radio at their end, Mark Friend, who said: "Passing the Digital Economy Act into law is an important milestone in securing radio's place in a multi-platform digital world. It sets the stage for broadcasters and manufacturers to deliver the benefits of digital to UK radio listeners, including increased choice, quality and functionality". Additional reporting by CMU Network
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