The BBC broadcasts 11 national stations and 32 local stations on DAB. You will need a new type of radio to receive DAB digital radio. Existing FM & MW (analogue) sets are unable to decode the digital signal. Unless your set carries the DAB logo, it will not receive DAB digital radio.
Logo to look for when buying a DAB digital radio
Please look for this logo on DAB digital radio products
The above DAB logo mark will tell you that the set will enable you to receive DAB. If you are unsure about a particular model - please consult your retailer. Always check DAB coverage in your area before buying a set. You can do this by using the postcode reception checker here.
DAB digital radio products:
DAB radio for the home
Hi-fi, portable and clock radios
On the move
A range of portable radios and MP3 players are available. The first ever mobile phone carrying the BBC digital radio stations and some television services is expected to launch in Autumn 2006.
In-car DAB digital radio provides robust reception when on the move. There is no need to retune as you drive from one region to another when listening to national radio stations (as long as one remins within a good quality coverage area). Some of the manufacturers now including DAB radios as standard are Vauxhall (certain models), Audio A8, Volvo C30 (in January 2007), Seat Ibiza DAB special, Land Rover (certain models), Lotus, Chevrolet, TVR and Daewoo.
You can buy a bedside clock/radio or portable sets, hi fi tuners, boomboxes & micro audio systems with CD. There are a range of personal DAB sets that you can carry in your pocket and in car sets too.
Some of the latest DAB radios also allow you to pause, rewind and even digitally record live radio at the touch of a button, or via 'timed recording' - just like a VHS video recorder or some digital television packages.
To find out about the full range of DAB products now available visit:
The BBC also makes our radio services available via the various digital television services:
Freeview Freeview is a non subscription digital television service that just requires a set top box which plugs into your TV set. As well as BBC and commercial television stations, the BBC's national digital radio stations are available on Freeview - with on screen dynamic text and graphics that makes the most of listening to radio via your television set. To see which BBC services are available via Freeview please visit the BBC stations list page or visit the Freeview website.
Digital satellite television
BBC Radio stations are available on digital satellite television. BBC Radio Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are available via digital satellite also.
Using your electronic programme guide you should be able to find all the BBC stations in the radio section.
Digital cable television
Some BBC Radio stations can be received via digital cable television. You will need to contact your local cable provider for more information.
All of the BBC's national stations (including the BBC World Service) are available on the internet (rights permitting).
The best starting point to listen to the station of your choice is the BBC Radio Home page.
Furthermore - the BBC Radio Player makes nearly all of our radio shows available to listen to again for up to 7 days after broadcast.
To use the Radio Player - click on the 'Launch BBC Radio Player' button on the right hand of this page.
