The BBC is to launch a trial of Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) to find out whether the use of medium wave for digital radio is a practical option.As part of the trial, BBC Radio Devon will use DRM technology for a year from its existing medium-wave transmitter in Plymouth.
An audience panel will be recruited and panel members will be given radios which are capable of receiving DRM as well as the existing FM and DAB services.
The trial will be the first of its kind in the UK using medium-wave to provide DRM to UK listeners.
John Allen, Head of New Services for BBC English Regions, said: "The trial will help us understand whether DRM has a role to play in the all-digital future for BBC Local Radio in the UK."
Listeners to BBC Radio Devon on AM in Plymouth will have to retune their radio to FM or DAB to continue listening while the DRM trial takes place.
The BBC has also announced plans to grow its network of DAB transmitters by ten, with most of the new services in operation by the end of April.
Glasgow, Gwent, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk and the South Downs are among the areas that will benefit from increased digital radio coverage following today's announcement.
All ten transmitters are being built and will be operated for the BBC by Arqiva.
Jenny Abramsky said: "I'm delighted to be able to announce these new transmitters. They represent a real and worthwhile improvement to the coverage of our DAB digital radio network. It shows the BBC's continuing commitment to making our services available on DAB digital radio."
