At the moment listeners must navigate between FM and Dab using a switch which means non-digital stations may lose the listeners who fail to switch between platforms.
When there is an integrated station list radios will be able to display all stations on one list, allowing listeners to tune seamlessly from station to station. This will ensure the local and commercial and community stations which stay on FM will remain as accessible as those stations which are digital only.
Digital Radio UK, the organisation preparing the country for digital radio switchover, is working with receiver manufacturers and technology suppliers on the integrated list.
An industry working group is to develop a specification to be introduced well ahead of digital switchover.
Ford Ennals, chief executive at Digital Radio UK, said this is a "hugely significant development on the road to switchover" and crucial to Digital Radio UK's objective of "ensuring a bright future for the entire radio industry, from the most popular national brand to the smallest community station".
Roberts, Sony and chip manufacturer Frontier Silicon are working on the project. Leslie Burrage, chief executive of Roberts Radio, said the joined-up message is "exactly what the industry requires, benefiting listeners, broadcasters and manufacturers alike".
Ennals joined Digital Radio UK in November. As chief executive he is responsible for coordinating the industry's efforts as it moves towards the 2015 digital switchover target and work with radio companies, multiplex operators and radio and car manufactures.
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