In this case, its great to think there are people innovating for such a cause and it really puts a lot of the work that we in the Radio Industry do in sharp relief.

We would all do well to remember that radio can be the most inclusive broadcast medium for all sorts of people, above Internet, TV and other forms.

What nonsense.

Yet another blinking feed to follow to keep up with what an interesting person says about beer/radio.

And sorry, Ben, I’ve only shared ‘city’, not completely accurate data… and in any event, you can lie on Google Latitude quite convincingly.

(OK – so you’re probably planning on using local WiFi more often than not).

Anyone?

Are you excluding the BBC’s 22 high-impact TV advertising campaigns it has shown for DAB over the last 7 years, or are you including those thousands and thousands of TV adverts as being “coverage for the radio”?

(1) Every major commercial and ABC (state broadcaster) network has got on board, with simulcast services in the five major markets (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth);

(2) Tangible promises of even more stations to come, with the community sector guaranteed to have a share (currently in Sydney – where I’m writing from – you get a choice of around 30 stations);

(3) Major retail chains such as Harvey Norman and Dick Smith getting right behind sales initiatives for sets;

(4) Masts for DAB+ stations being placed at the top of very high FM / TV towers, guaranteeing optimum reception (even though, yes, you get the odd “Max Headroom” effect for those of us who remember the stuttering 80’s TV icon);

(5) Reception often being better for AM’ers in DAB+ mode than in AM mode (we all know of the experience of storms ruining our AM reception – not with DIGITAL!!!);

(6) Promotional days being held in public spaces such as Sydney’s popular Martin Plaza, featuring pop bands and gorilla suited men to win over the kids to the new band;

(7) Announcers freely talking about the technology and inviting callers with DAB+ sets (like me) to ring them and bore everyone silly by going on about how much choice and quality these new stations have;

(8) The new anticipation of markets being excitingly challenged and new stars being made out of the technology (such as Gorilla brekky announcer Mike Goldman); and

(9) The chance to contour reception footprints more fully, and get around FM bands being totally full (as they pretty much are in the five major Aussie radio markets!!!)

DAB IS HERE TO STAY!!! AND ITS FAST GAINING FRIENDS IN THE LAND DOWN UNDER!!!!!!!!!!!

Worth a go if the arm wrestle plan fails?

Re attack vs persuade, I personally think I do both anyway, because I use persuasive arguments when it comes to technology, and I attack over things like bias, lying and generally doing things that are against the interests of the public.

I also say that I “attack”, but if you read articles on my website, I would say that translates to “very critical” – I don’t rant and rave in articles on my website (the DAB industry and their hangers on claim I do, but that’s just their typically dishonest spin).

The parts that apply to Steve are below.
Does anyone know any of his relatives or his GP?

Criteria for detention
The so-called “treatability test” regarding long-term powers of detention is replaced by a new “appropriate treatment” test. This means that patients cannot be detained unless professionals can guarantee the availability of medical treatment, which includes psychological intervention, which is appropriate to each case.

Professional roles
The approved social worker role is being replaced by the approved mental health practitioner role, which could potentially be filled by anyone with experience in supporting people with mental health problems, such as nurses, occupational therapists and psychologists. In addition, responsible medical officers no longer have to be medical practitioners. This role is being replaced by the responsible clinician role, which could be filled by social workers or any of the other professions listed above. However, medical recommendations for detentions under sections 2 and 3 of the 1983 MHA will still have to be made by two ‘registered medical practitioners’.

Nearest relatives
Patients have the right to apply for the removal of their nominated nearest relative if they feel that person is unsuitable. Civil partners are added to the list of eligible relatives, affording them the same status as husband and wife. (Under the 1983 MHA, nearest relatives and approved social workers can apply for compulsory admission to hospital for a patient who is not involved in criminal proceedings.)

If I win, DAB should be switched off/over to DAB+, and the BBC must stick to its remit of promoting the digital platforms impartially, and Cridland must attend a PLA (pathological liars anonymous) meeting, and a video of him saying “My name is James, and I am a pathological liar” must be uploaded to YouTube. And I’ll have Big Mac Meal with a chocolate thickshake.

If I lose, which obviously wouldn’t happen, I’m not allowed to use the letters d, a and b in consecutive order until digital switchover has completed, and I have to listen to DAB for 10 minutes (any more would be dangerous to myself and others).