Digital Audio Broadcasting in Canada: Technology and Policy in the Transition to Digital Radio

Abstract

This article presents an overview of digital radio policy in Canada in the period 1995 to 2005 and the attempt to implement the Eureka-147 Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) standard as the replacement technology for analog AM and FM broadcasting. Canada was an early adopter of this system, but unfavourable conditions have led it to largely abandon the approach in favour of a multiplatform system. The interaction between industry, government regulation, and broadcasting policy around digital radio reveals a complex situation of competing interests. Despite extensive regulatory intervention to protect Canadian interests, the pace of technological change and the dominant influence of U.S. interests have made the transitional path to digital radio even more uncertain than it was 10 years ago.