Radio 3 should be the last network to leave FM in my opinion. It is an example of exactly what the BBC should be providing, ie. something that is not provided by commercial radio. Classic FM is classical greatest hits, whereas Radio 3 is far more diverse and interesting. Scala is a strange mix of show tunes and classical versions of current chart hits. Having said that, there seems a complete lack of logic to current BBC thinking so anything could happen. BBC management appears to be completely out of touch and clueless.

The first FM frequencies that may become available are likely to be those vacated by BBC local radio sations. The BBC is currently in the early stages of winding down, and networking their local stations which will inevitably lead to much reduced audience figures, and therefore the excuse they need to shut them down completely.

Commercial groups networked all their local stations to gain national coverage by the backdoor, but the BBC surely don't need another national network unless their plan is to transfer 5 Live to the local frequencies when they shut down medium wave.

Their plan is to move everything online, so national stations may well start leaving FM before too long. I suspect that Ofcom will not advertise the vacated frequencies as national networks.