Four DAB radio multiplex licences awarded

Ofcom has awarded four more small-scale DAB multiplex licences across the UK.

The latest awards cover Armagh, Derby, Guildford and Woking, and Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport, allowing new local digital radio services to launch in those areas.

The announcement comes as the East Devon multiplex, ExeDAB, becomes the 100th service to launch under the UK’s small-scale DAB rollout. The multiplex is run jointly by Radio Exe and community station Phonic FM and brings additional stations to Honiton and Sidmouth, including Devoncast Radio and Sid Valley Radio.

Small-scale DAB was created to offer a lower-cost route onto digital radio for community broadcasters, local commercial stations and specialist services that may not otherwise secure space on larger multiplexes.

Paul Mercer, Ofcom’s Director of Broadcast Licensing and Programme Operations, said: “The small-scale DAB programme was designed to help grassroots community broadcasters, specialist music stations, and services for minority and other underserved populations to take to the digital airwaves.”

He added that reaching the 100 multiplex milestone means “even more listeners can benefit from local, diverse content, as well as boosting the local economy.”

Paul Nero, managing director of Radio Exe, said the launch shows “what can be achieved when commercial radio partners work with community services”.

Ofcom is also consulting on a request from TorDAB Ltd to change the coverage area of the Torbay small-scale multiplex. Responses to the consultation must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 8 April.