The days of hearing hammy radio presenters tell you to “stay lock in to this end of the dial” may be nearing an end, with the news that Norway has begun a nationwide elimination of FM radio, with networks switching to Digital Audio Broadcasting by the end of the year.
Despite the country being a forerunner in regards to digital radio – the world’s first DAB station launched their back in 1995 – the population isn’t too pleased by the scrapping of FM, with only 17% support, according to a recent Reuters poll.
Aside from the inevitability of digital broadcasting taking over from analogue across all mediums (TV, physical media, et al.) there is also a massive financial incentive, with the Guardian reporting that FM radio costs 8 times more than digital. No doubt other countries will follow suit – and soon.
It looks like FM’s days are numbered – another thing to become nostalgic for.
