CSA sends digital radio quandary back to government

French media regulator CSA has asked the government to reconsider the conditions for the rollout of digital terrestrial radio services, both in terms of the project's financing and the technical standard to be used, in light of other countries' experiences. The regulator called for candidates over a year ago to introduce digital radio services in Paris, Marseille and Nice, and has yet to award the licences. CSA states that the country's major private radio broadcasters, including Lagardere, RTL, NRJ and NextRadioTV stations, are seeking an 18-month moratorium on the introduction of digital radio. While a majority of other stations told the regulator they were in favour of a speedy introduction of digital radio, some want the DAB+ standard to be considered and are seeking substantial government subsidies. Unlike for TV, no date has been set for the end of analogue radio broadcasts, which under law must be free to air, easily accessible and provide expanded radio services across the country. To exarcerbate the problem, state financing for digital radio has not been included in the areas covered by the "grand emprunt" national bond to stimulate the economy.