Arcom launches work on a white paper on the future of radio in France

Last January, at a round-table discussion in the French senate, Arcom Chairman Roch-Olivier Maistre announced that the Authority would be drawing up a white paper on the future of the radio medium.

Arcom's board of directors today set out the main thrusts of the project, and the procedures for drafting the document, which the regulator expects to complete within a year.

The white paper will provide the broadest possible overview of the radio sector in France, particularly in comparison with other European countries. This overview will cover economic, legal and technical aspects, as well as developments in usage.

It will also address the major challenge of the transition from FM to DAB+ (digital terrestrial radio) diffusion throughout France, both in mainland France and the French overseas territories. It will identify the prerequisites and conditions for a successful transition, including any support mechanisms that need to be put in place, as well as what the industry might look like once the transition is complete, in the light of international examples.

This reflection will be fueled by a wide-ranging series of hearings, to be launched shortly. Arcom is also committed to regular exchanges with the relevant government departments.