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Your support makes all the difference.A "scrappage scheme" is to be launched to encourage people to upgrade their old analogue radios with new digital sets, it was announced today.
The "radio amnesty" which will begin on Saturday, will see participating retailers offer customers discounts of between 10% and 20% on new DAB digital radios.
The initiative developed by the BBC and commercial radio stations, draws inspiration from the Government's recent popular car scrappage scheme and will run until June 26.
It will be supported by on-air radio promotions developed by Digital Radio UK, featuring the voices of Stephen Fry, Gaby Roslin, Noddy Holder and Gabby Logan.
Analogue radios collected during the "amnesty" will be reconditioned and sent to the Children's Radio Foundation in Southern Africa and Unicef, giving youngsters access to radio programmes.
Those beyond repair will be recycled under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.
In its Digital Britain report launched last year, the Labour Government anticipated that by the end of 2013, 50% of radio listening would be digital, DAB coverage would reach 90% of the population and all major roads and national DAB coverage should be comparable to FM coverage.
It said it hoped to deliver the Digital Radio Upgrade programme by the end of 2015.
Currently 24% of radio listening is to digital platforms according to data released earlier this month by RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research).
Manufacturers such as Pure, Roberts and Sony among others have agreed to take part, with discounts expected to be around 10%.
Chains including Argos, Comet, John Lewis and Tesco plus other independent retailers will be participating, offering varying discounts.
DSG International, owner of brands including PC World, Currys and Dixons, said it would not be involved in the scheme.
A spokewoman said: "It is the wrong timing for us. We are in the middle of a range change, so are not able to offer it for our customers in stores."
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