To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment has been made of the effect of digital switchover of radio on local and community commercial radio stations in Scotland; and if his Department will take steps to ensure the continuing financial viability of such stations after switchover. (312939)

No specific assessment has been made of the impact of digital radio switchover on the local commercial and community radio stations in Scotland.

The Government are already taking steps, including meeting small local radio stations to discuss their concerns, to ensure that local radio stations continue to thrive after the digital radio switchover.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with broadcasters to ensure that public service radio broadcasting continues to provide universal coverage to listeners in Scotland after the digital switchover. (312940)

Discussions with broadcasters and transmission providers on extending Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) coverage to match the existing FM radio coverage began in the Digital Radio Working Group in 2008. These conversations are ongoing.