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Ofcom 22 May 2025 Ofcom has today awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licences for five more areas in the UK. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves. These latest awards mark the conclusion of the round six small-scale DAB multiplex licences. Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, multiplex licences have been awarded for the following areas: Huntingdon: licence awarded to Huntingdon Digital Limited Nuneaton & Hinckley: licence awarded to Maxxwave Limited Walsall: licence awarded to Walsall DAB Limited Wetherby: licence awarded to Wetherby Community Radio Limited Yeovil: licence awarded to Radio Ninesprings Alongside these awards, we have published the 24 applications we have received for the 33 licences advertised in round seven. The applications will be assessed against the statutory criteria, with decisions expected in the coming months. Round Eight awards on the horizon We are also today announcing the list of areas that we will be advertising later this year in round eight. This will be the last currently planned round of small-scale DAB multiplex licensing as part of this programme. Future priorities for radio licensing Ofcom will be consulting later this year on our broadcast radio licensing priorities. We recognise that there is some demand for more analogue licensing, particularly in unserved and rural areas where small-scale DAB coverage is harder to achieve in a sustainable way. There is also some demand for extensions and improvements to SSDAB multiplex coverage areas, as well as other potential calls upon our licensing and spectrum planning resources. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/digital-radio/small-scale-dab-licences-awarded-for-five-more-areas

As the BBC prepares to stop its full-scale broadcasting in 2025, marking the end of a century of broadcasting history, a new report is calling for a radical overhaul. Radiotoday analyzed it: In 'Still Speaking to the Nations', researcher Tobias Thornes makes a convincing argument in favour of keeping BBC Radio 4's longwave service. First about energy. The BBC are claiming that long waves are ineffective. Gold, Thornes analysis reveals that longwaves only use 4% of the BBC's analogue output power. In reality, FM networks consume much more energy ¨C up to six times more ¨C due to the hundreds of broadcasters needed to reach the same audience. In addition, analog radios and in particular long waves consume much less energy than digital radios, connected speakers or devices connected to the Internet. But it's not just about the environment. The report highlights the crucial role of longwaves in national security. In an age of cyber-threats and disinformation, Longwave remains the only platform capable of reaching the whole of the UK ¨C and much of Europe ¨C from a single transmitter, even in the face of a power cut or the internet crashes. If some consider long waves obsolete, the report states that they are anything but obsolete. Rural communities, sailors and people with limited access to digital continue to turn to it. Maritime forecasts, an essential in navigation for a century, always depend on the 198 kHz signal. Yet the BBC has never questioned these rural or maritime populations to understand their listening habits. The heritage argument is also of size. 2025 will mark the centenary of the BBC's first long-awaited broadcast. Activists want the Droitwich transmitter, which began broadcasting in 1934, to be protected as a historic site. The support from the public is growing. A petition to save the longwave has already garnered nearly 5,000 signatures, with listeners across the UK and Europe describing it as a ¡°lifeline¡± and ¡°an essential emergency rescue¡±. Dr Thornes concludes that removing longwaves would not only risk depriving millions of people of reliable radio access, but weaken the resilience of emergency broadcasting in the UK. He calls on the BBC and the government to reconsider their position. (Michel Fremy page Facebook Radio Magazine)

RedTech By Fr¨¦d¨¦ric Brulhatour May 12 2025 On May 2, the Verband Schweizer Privatradios submitted its official response to the consultation on the Swiss federal government¡¯s 2027 budget reduction plan, raising concerns over proposed cuts to funding for the radio sector. The VSP, which represents 37 private stations broadcasting mainly at the regional level, opposes several measures that would reduce financial support for broadcasters. One key proposal under scrutiny is the elimination of CHF 600,000 (approx. €618,000) in annual subsidies that help cover transmission costs in mountainous regions. The association argues that the transition from analog FM to DAB+ is not yet complete. Following the early switch-off of analog services by the Swiss public broadcaster SSR, uncertainty remains over both the timing and feasibility of a full transition to DAB+. In this context, the VSP says removing support now would undermine services in geographically disadvantaged areas that still rely on this funding. The association also criticized plans to cut CHF 1 million (approx. €1.03 million) earmarked for training and professional development in the media sector. It noted that this funding, partly distributed through MAZ ¡ª the Swiss School of Journalism based in Lucerne ¡ª helps keep radio journalism training accessible, particularly for regional stations. The VSP argued that ¡°even modest support¡± plays a key role in maintaining newsroom standards and helping young journalists enter the profession. The VSP described the current policy environment as unfavorable to any immediate reduction in funding. It pointed out that structural reforms ¡ª such as the Bauer and Chassot parliamentary initiatives, which aim to redefine public support for media and strengthen regional journalism ¡ª have not yet been adopted. Meanwhile, economic pressures on the sector persist, with declining advertising revenue, shrinking newsrooms and sustained pressure on regional journalism. Given these challenges, the VSP said no direct or indirect funding cuts should be implemented until new legislative frameworks are in place. https://www.redtech.pro/swiss-private-radio-funding-cuts-2027/

Radio Today 5 May 2025 Angel Radio has expanded its digital broadcast area, rejoining the Surrey & South London DAB multiplex. This move significantly increases the community station¡¯s reach, nearly quadrupling its broadcast footprint. Tony Smith, Angel Radio¡¯s Founder and Station Manager, said: ¡°As a registered charity, I¡¯d like to thank our listeners for their support in making it possible for us to return to the Surrey & South London DAB multiplex. Angel Radio broadcasts across multiple local DAB multiplexes including South Hampshire, Brighton, and Cambridge, and is also available on FM in parts of Hampshire and West Sussex, as well as online and on smart speakers. Full story here : https://radiotoday.co.uk/2025/05/angel-radio-expands-digital-reach-into-surrey-and-south-london/ Mike

Switzerland Federal Office of Communications OFCOM Digital use of radio continues to increase in all regions, age groups and listening locations. Almost 70% of radio listened to in the car is now via digital channels. This was announced by the Digital Migration working group (DigiMig WG) at Swiss Radio Day on 31 August 2023. Of all radio minutes listened to in Switzerland, 81% are digital. Around half of these (41%) are listened to via DAB+ and the other half (40%) via the internet. DAB+ is somewhat more popular with older people, with around half of the over 55s listening to radio via DAB+. Among the under 35s, the same applies to listening to the radio via the internet. 8% listen exclusively to FM radio Eight out of one hundred people in Switzerland listen to FM radio only. About one third of the population listens to both FM and digital channels, and about half listen to digital radio only. Eleven per cent of the population does not listen to the radio at all. FM use on the decline in all language regions Radio listening via FM has continued to decline in all three language regions. FM radio is still listened to the most in Italian-speaking Switzerland at 25%. In French-speaking Switzerland, it is 20% and in German-speaking Switzerland 18%. In German-speaking Switzerland, digital use is divided more or less equally between DAB+ and the internet; in French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino, listening to the radio is most popular via the internet. Digital radio most popular in the car The majority of radio use takes place at home, namely 63 out of every 100 minutes listened to. Nineteen out of every one hundred minutes are listened to at work and 12 minutes are listened to in the car. At all locations of use, the majority of radio is listened to via digital channels; FM radio is listened to the most in the car with a 30% share of listening. At work and at home, more than 80% of radio minutes are listened to via digital modes of reception. 6.7 million DAB+ radios in Switzerland In the first half of 2023, 245,600 new DAB+ devices were added in Switzerland, bringing the total stock including vehicles to approximately 6.7 million. 54 percent of all passenger cars in Switzerland are now equipped with DAB+. https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/en/homepage/electronic-media/technology/digital-transmission/switzerland-listens-to-digital-radio-only-8-out-of-100-people-listen-exclusively-to-fm-radio.html

WorldDAB Automotive 2025 Thursday 19 June 2025 09:30-15:30 (CEST) Venue: Palacio Neptuno, C/Cervantes 42, Madrid 28014 A FREE event open to both members and non-members, all are welcome! DAB+ embracing the connected ecosystem The radio broadcaster-OEM partnership has never been more critical for enhancing the in-car presence of digital broadcast radio. Explore the foundational role of DAB+ in the connected ecosystem at WorldDAB Automotive 2025. Global industry leaders, broadcasters, automotive manufacturers and policy experts come together for a day packed with insights, strategies, and the latest advances in digital radio. Networking dinner, Wednesday 18 June 2025 19:00 - 22:00 Venue: Oroya Madrid, (within The Edition Hotel, Madrid), Plaza Celenque 2, 28013, Madrid This unique event kicks off with a networking dinner, bringing together audio broadcasters with the automotive sector, and offering exclusive networking opportunities. It promises to be an exciting conference and we looking foward to welcoming as many of you as possible. Programme highlights: AI¡¯s impact on automotive displays and content Broadcasters maintaining control over distribution amidst emerging technologies EBU¡¯s Playbook on in-car digital radio strategies Global market growth opportunities for DAB+ Australia¡¯s focus on legislating free and easy access to live, local digital radio US perspective on broadcast resilience Europe: Spain¡¯s content strategies and network expansion; developments from German networks; Switzerland¡¯s Digital Switchover; trends in Belgium; France¡¯s commercial broadcasters promoting in-car DAB+ Technical advances: Automatic Safety Alerts (ASA) - reliable safety alerts via DAB+, including in-car automotive ecosystem's integration of DAB+ content creation for in-car listening experiences standards for in-car devices with non-Latin characters, such as Arabic text digital radio in China¡¯s growing automotive market logo accuracy and metadata accuracy, station lists and searchability, transitions between broadcast and radio apps Expert speakers include key contributors from WorldDAB¡¯s Automotive Working Group, including VW Cariad, RadioDNS, Radioplayer and Xperi, EBU, NAB, and broadcasters from across the world. https://www.worlddab.org/events/detail/682#registration

Twenty radio services are now available on DAB+ in Ireland following the launch of F¨¢ilteDAB. The latest DAB+ trial across the broader Leinster area includes ten services by Onic, along with services such as Nova Xtra, Classic Hits 80s and 8Radio. There are 19 music stations and one speech service, with Newstalk simulcasting its service on the digital platform. It can be heard in Dublin, Meath, Wicklow, Kildare, Westmeath, Longford, Laois and Wexford. Onic, the new name for News and urbanmedia, has launched 10 music services but has no plans to launch its new talkSPORT Ireland service on DAB+. Radio Nova¡¯s new sister station Nova Xtra will focus on chilled classic rock, playing the more melodic end of the popular guitar-based music featured on Radio Nova and bringing additional content as a supplement to the Radio Nova. (Radio Today Ireland)

28 April 2025 The Flemish government is postponing the planned switch-off of FM radio, abandoning the previously proposed target date of 2031. Amid concerns over economic consequences and the potential exclusion of older listeners, the transition to digital radio will now proceed more gradually, with no new cut-off date set before 2035. Although the target date was initially set after a study, Flemish media minister Cieltje Van Achter (N-VA) now says she wants to avoid leaving listeners behind during the digital transition. "We will take all radio listeners with us to the finish. So we are not opting for an accelerated switch-off of FM, but for a realistic, supported and smart transition to digital radio," she explains. Digital radio listening has grown rapidly in recent years. Between 2018 and 2023, the share of digital listening doubled from 21 per cent to 49 per cent, mainly due to the rise of DAB+. Expectations are that digital listening will continue to increase in the coming years. Still, the timing of the FM switch-off has been debated for some time. Former media minister Benjamin Dalle (CD&V) initially proposed phasing out FM between 2028 and 2031. A study by Brightwolves and Ghent University later suggested that 1 January 2031 would be a realistic date to end FM broadcasts. However, Van Achter is now deserting that timeline. She points out that the same study also warned about "economic damage to the Flemish advertising market that would amount to 31 to 62 million euros and the risk that people aged 65 and over, in particular, are at risk of falling by the wayside." "Radio is there for everyone in Flanders: on average, we listen to the radio for up to three hours a day; it connects, informs and relaxes. Anyone who drops that to go digital faster is not making any progress. That is short-sighted," Van Achter notes. Instead of a fixed end date, Van Achter wants a gradual, sector-wide approach to reducing FM frequencies. She has not committed to a new deadline but has made it clear it would be "2035 at the earliest." https://www.belganewsagency.eu/flemish-government-postpones-fm-radio-switch-off-dropping-2031-end-date

Ofcom 15 April 2025 Ofcom has today awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licences for three more UK areas. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves. Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, multiplex licences have been awarded for the following areas: - Carlisle & Penrith: licence awarded to Cumbria Digital. - Corby & Kettering: licence awarded to Kettering and Corby Broadcasting Company. - East Devon: licence awarded to ExeDAB. Further licence awards for the remaining areas that were advertised in Round 6 will be announced in the coming weeks. Consultation on coverage change : We are also consulting on varying the licence to provide the Newcastle & Gateshead small-scale multiplex. This licence was awarded to Tyneside Community Digital C.I.C (TCD) in June 2021 and launched in July 2022. TCD has applied to vary its licence to improve it coverage, most notably in Blaydon and parts of Newcastle city centre. Provisional plans suggest this would increase coverage of around 78,000 listeners, representing a 16% increase for the multiplex. No listeners are anticipated to lose coverage under the revised plan. We are minded to approve this application from TCD and are consulting on this view. The closing-date for responding to this consultation is Tuesday 13 May 2025. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/digital-radio/ofcom-announces-further-awards-in-sixth-wave-of-small-scale-dab-licensing/

Radio Today 16 April 2025 A new community radio station is launching on Good Friday from Bournemouth. Dorset Coast Radio is on the newly-launched Poole, Purbeck and Wimborne small-scale DAB multiplex, and will be added to the Bournemouth multiplex once that launches to give it coverage across the coastal area. The station aims to provide a platform for local voices, music, news, and stories. It will connect people and provide entertainment news and useful information, as well as showcasing the work of local community groups. Station Manager, Andy Marlor says: ¡°We have worked hard to develop a different approach to local radio. ¡°We put the listener at the heart of what we do. This means we not only play great music but make sure that we share useful and helpful information about community events and services to make it really local and relevant. ¡°We¡¯re also inviting local community groups to get involved and share information about what they do and how they help local people. We have a dedicated show each weeknight from 7pm to showcase the best of our community across Dorset.¡± Dorset Coast Radio has risen from the ashes of Hospital Radio Bedside, which has recently stopped broadcasting. The HRB studios are currently being used for the new DAB station, and the team will use the expertise and legacy of HRB for the new service. https://radiotoday.co.uk/2025/04/dorset-coast-radio-to-launch-following-closure-of-hospital-radio-bedside/

The Local DAB Multiplex Association met Ian O¡¯Neill OBE, Head of Radio and Audio at the Department for Culture, Media & Sport recently to talk about industry challenges. Local DAB Multiplex Association Directors Chris Hurst and David Duffy engaged in a discussion with Ian, focusing on the successes, opportunities, and challenges faced by the rapidly evolving small-scale DAB sector. Key topics included: - Market challenges and the sustainability of Small Scale DAB multiplexes and scope to grow the sector - Improvements in coverage to enhance local and niche radio availability - The opportunity for foreign stations to broadcast on Small Scale DAB in the UK following the passage of the Media Act 2024 ¡°It was a pleasure to meet with Ian and discuss the bright future of small-scale DAB,¡± said Chris Hurst. ¡°The sector has made incredible progress, and it¡¯s vital that we continue working collaboratively to ensure its long-term success. We greatly appreciate the engagement and support from DCMS in tackling key industry challenges and unlocking new opportunities.¡± Later on in the same day Chris and David went on to Ofcom and met with Paul Mercer Director of Broadcast Licensing and Programme Operations and Jon Heasman Project Manager Small Scale DAB. Once again in a very supportive and collaborative meeting there was a positive discussion on a number of opportunities to further develop SSDAB. For more information and membership details of the free to join Local DAB Multiplex Association visit LocalDAB.org.uk. https://radiotoday.co.uk/2025/03/local-radio-multiplex-operators-meets-dcms-to-discuss-small-scale-dab/

The Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio brands are growing, as Bauer Media Audio UK announces the launch of four new spin-off stations. As unveiled at the Radiodays Europe conference in Athens today (10th March), Greatest Hits Radio will add Greatest Hits Radio 70s and Greatest Hits Radio 80s to its portfolio, while Hits Radio is launching Hits Radio 90s and Hits Radio 00s. Gary Stein, Director of Audio for Bauer Media Audio UK said, ¡°We¡¯re really excited to launch these four new stations and provide even more personalised, passion driven content for our music-loving audiences, while increasing opportunities for our advertising partners to target highly engaged, specific audiences.¡± The news follows last year¡¯s successful launch of a number of new Bauer Media spin-off stations on DAB, including KISS Dance, KISSTORY R&B and Greatest Hits Radio 60s, recording a combined weekly reach of over 1.5m listeners in their opening RAJAR survey. The new Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio stations will launch on 31st March, the same day that Absolute Radio, KISS, KISSTORY and Magic Radio make the switch to DAB+, as previously announced. In other news, Bauer also announces today that KISS Fresh will rebranded to KISS XTRA. With a presenter lineup including Henri Kwushue, Craig Mitch, Esi, Ellie Prohan and Elz the Witch, it shall rebrand on 31st March. There¡¯ll be no further changes to the station. In other distribution news, Magic Radio will soon start broadcasting on 106.5 FM in Bristol. Hits Radio (West of England) will continue to broadcast in the area on 101 and 97.2FM. https://www.bauermedia.co.uk/news/bauer-media-audio-uk-announces-new-hits-radio-and-greatest-hits-radio-sub-brands/

Radio Today 18 February 2025 Wireless Ireland is planning on launching ¡°a suite of new digital radio services¡± on DAB+ this year. The move comes as RadioToday breaks the news that a new DAB+ trial will operate for 12 months from April by F¨¢ilteDAB. Wireless Ireland says it will work closely with Coimisi¨²n na Me¨¢n to secure the necessary content licences to ensure compliance with broadcasting standards and regulations. The new stations are set to launch in the spring, with more details announced in coming weeks. Bauer Media Audio Ireland has also confirmed it will operate services on the DAB+ trial with full details to follow. Sean Barry, Managing Director of Wireless Ireland, said: ¡°Wireless Ireland is proud to lead the charge in Ireland¡¯s transition to digital broadcasting. ¡°The new F¨¢ilteDAB platform will offer listeners a broader and more immersive experience, with a blend of existing and new content offerings, creating diversity of choice for listeners across a large coverage area. ¡°Wireless Ireland¡¯s commitment will see us become the largest content provider on this new and exciting platform. ¡°We¡¯re delighted to build on the strength of our existing network of popular radio stations, and will continue to invest to entertain and engage new audiences across new territories.¡± Bauer CEO Chris Doyle says: ¡°As an already significant player in the digital audio space, we are excited to take part in the trial. ¡°The initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and delivering superior audio experiences to our listeners.¡± https://radiotoday.ie/2025/02/wireless-ireland-confirms-plans-to-fully-embrace-dab-trial-with-new-services/

Major channels abandoning older Digital Audio Broadcasting in favour of new service By Madeleine Ross Money Reporter 11 February 2025 Millions of listeners with digital radios are now no longer able to tune in to many popular radio stations, including the likes of Classic FM. Major channels are abandoning or have already abandoned older Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radios in favour of new DAB+ technology ¨C forcing listeners to buy a more modern radio. It comes after many listeners were pushed to switch to digital after the Government announced ambitions to turn off the FM signal in 2015. This will now not happen until at least 2030, but many digital radio models are now becoming obsolete as they can only pick up the DAB signal, and not the superior DAB+. Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) has been a staple of the UK¡¯s radio landscape since the mid-1990s, however, since 2016, DAB+ has emerged as a legitimate successor The improved DAB+ technology offers: Enhanced sound quality Greater number of channels with the same bandwidth as DAB Supported by a modern infrastructure, enabling broadcasters to deliver more channels and services Troubleshooting DAB and DAB+ signal problems Although DAB+ is the superior technology, it can still run into similar problems to DAB radios. Common causes of signal issues for digital radio include: Poor signal coverage: there may be limited DAB coverage in your area resulting in weak reception. You can use Digital Radio UK¡¯s DAB postcode checker to see which stations you should have a good reception for in your area. Incorrect antenna positioning: your radio¡¯s antenna may not be fully extended or optimally positioned. The signal may also be impeded by walls or other obstructions, see if the radio works outside or by a window to test this. You could also look to invest in an external DAB antenna if this is the case. Reception interference: in some cases, electrical appliances, fluorescent lighting, or even nearby FM signals may interfere with your DAB reception. Radio malfunction: outdated firmware or internal hardware issues may be causing the issue. Where possible, check to see if your device needs to download an update. Impact of DAB+ upgrade on listeners and station. More than 50m adults, or 87pc of those aged over 15, listened to their favourite radio station at least once a week, according to figures from Rajar (Radio Joint Audience Research). Of those listeners, 43pc listen using a DAB or DAB+ radio, with a further 27pc listening through websites, apps and smart speakers. One third of DAB radio owners who listen at home do not have DAB+ capacity. Around 10.1m UK households have a DAB+ set either at home or in at least one car, and there are just 4.8m DAB+ sets in homes, according to data from media regulator Ofcom. The BBC has said it is ¡°committed to continue to serve¡± those with DAB radios. Yet Classic FM turned off its DAB signal when last year, meaning fans now need a DAB+ compatible radio to keep listening. The channel, which launched in 1992 as a specialised station for classical music, is still be available on FM radio. Bauer Media channels, including Absolute 80s and Planet Rock, are among those which have also made the switch to DAB+. The first DAB radio stations in the UK were launched in 1995 by the BBC. DAB+ shows, which offer better sound quality, began in 2016. One radio producer at a DAB+ station warned that buying a digital radio secondhand could now lead to listeners missing out on their favourite channels. He said: ¡°A lot of people who don¡¯t listen to the radio anymore are selling those on Facebook marketplace or eBay and a lot of people think they¡¯re getting a bargain. That¡¯s because the ones sold in shops now, to comply with legislation, have to have DAB+ as part of what they can tune into.¡± The producer said listeners often called in to the station to complain that they could not get their radio to play the right channel. He said: ¡°It¡¯s older people, people trying to be a bit thrifty. It doesn¡¯t happen every day but it¡¯s a fairly regular thing for DAB+ stations.¡± Emi

13 February 2025 WorldDAB is marking World Radio Day by releasing its latest infographic, which highlights the ongoing global growth of DAB+. The updated graphic shows device sales now nearing the 150 million milestone, with the fast-growing markets of France and Australia leading the way with sales of receivers now over 10 million each, alongside the well-established DAB+ auto market. Sales in eleven core markets now total 145,195,000, and almost all new cars across Europe come with DAB+ as standard. In France, this is coupled with DAB+ coverage now exceeding 60% of the population, and in Spain, public broadcaster RTVE is heading towards the goal of 50% coverage with the recent addition of transmitters covering the metropolitan areas of Valladolid and Zaragosa. WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst said: ¡°13 February is an important day in the global calendar for anyone as passionate about broadcast radio as me and the members of the WorldDAB family. Today we can share new data showing how DAB+ continues to grow in both new and established markets around the world. This, coupled with our new DAB+ Automatic Safety Alerts, which can provide life-saving warnings of environmental emergencies such as storms and flooding, demonstrates the critical role of broadcast radio.¡± Other highlights from WorldDAB¡¯s infographic, which incorporates newly released data from across 2024, include: Significant broadening of choice for listeners with over 60 national stations now on DAB in the United Kingdom, against five on analogue; and growth also in Belgium, Czechia and Italy where listeners can enjoy over 50 national DAB+ stations. New data on DAB+ coverage in markets such as Croatia (98.4%); Slovenia (92%), Poland (87.9%); Serbia (80%) and Slovakia (72%). WorldDAB¡¯s infographic details the rollout status in 25 emerging markets, as well as a comprehensive overview of DAB receiver sales, road and population coverage, household penetration and the number of national stations on DAB/DAB+ compared to FM. Data from the new infographic will be highlighted in WorldDAB keynote sessions at the Saudi Media Forum on 19 ¨C 21 February in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Digital Broadcasting Symposium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 24 ¨C 27 February. https://radiotoday.co.uk/2025/02/worlddab-highlights-the-ongoing-global-growth-of-dab-on-world-radio-day/

------ Original Message ------ From: jeff.kitching@... To: [email protected] Sent: Friday, December 27th 2024, 17:53 Subject: [bdxc-news] DAB News items (UK) Blackpool BLACKPOOL RADIO has been added. [Wohnort] Congleton & Leek FGTB Cheshire is silent. [Wohnort] Crewe & Nantwich Cat Xtra & Timeless Radio have left. FGTB Cheshire is silent. [Wohnort] Doncaster Diamond Groove has been added. [JK] LIVERPOOL 2 old skool jamz & Radio Maria have been added. [Wohnort] Morecambe Bay Nation 80s has been added. [Wohnort] Peterborough Gold Cambs has been relabelled to Gold Radio Peter. [Wohnort] Shefcast Digital Angel Vintage & Cosoro Radio have ceased. [JK] Wrexham Nation Xmas has been added. Tomorrowland OWR has ceased. [Wohnort] Cheshire Mid STRAWBERRY RADIO has been added. [Wohnort] Warrington FGTB Cheshire has been added. [Wohnort] Newry Reindeer Radio has been added. [Wohnort] Stockport BUZZ MCR, Niffy UK Radio, Evolve Radio & Skylab Radio have been added. [Alan Gale/BDXC] Hull Coast & County has been added. Nation 90s has changed to Nation Xmas. [DigitalSpy] Southend SSDAB is new on 9B, from Southend Uni Hospital with 0.200w. 107.3 Funky SX has been added. [DABLIST] E Lincs DAB is new on 8B. E Lincs DAB has been added. [DABLIST] Belfast Blast Xtra, Cosoro Radio, Lagan Radio, Radio Caroline & Voice of Islam have been added. [Wohnort] Bristol - East & Bristol - West Decadance has left. (TBC) [DigitalSpy] Cambridge Radio Maria Eng has ceased. [digitalbitrate] Ayr UWS has been added. [Wohnort] Cambridge 2 Camb 105 has been renamed to Cambridge Radio [digitalbitrate] Bournemouth Easy Radio has been added. [digitalbitrate] Surrey-NSussex Fun Xmas has been added. [digitalbitrate] Tyne & Wear HITS RADIO NE has been renamed HITS NE. [digitalbitrate] Trial London GreekBeat Radio has been added. NcastleGateshead Affinity Radio & Max 80s have been added. [DABLIST] Plymouth CR Plymouth has been added. [DABLIST]

Pure West Radio has launched Pure X-Mas, a dedicated Christmas music station, on DAB. The station is available on the North Pembrokeshire and South Pembrokeshire multiplexes until 31st December. (Radio Today)

9 December 2024 Nation has surrendered two FM licences in Scotland and will give up two transmitters in Wales. In Scotland, 103FM and 106.9FM, which carried Nation Radio Scotland for Helensburgh and Dumbarton, have been given back to Ofcom. Those frequencies started life as Castle Rock FM and later carried YOUR Radio. In Wales, Radio Pembrokeshire¡¯s relays in Tenby and Fishguard on 107.5FM will be turned off around the middle of 2025, leaving the station with its main transmitter on 102.5FM which already covers most of the areas in question. According to Ofcom¡¯s analysis, the population coverage reach (adults 15+) of the existing service is 107,382. By removing the two transmitter sites at Tenby and Fishguard, the population reach who would still be able to receive the service would drop to 98,303, reducing the coverage of the service by 8.5%. Requesting the change, Nation says there is a continuing trend of declining analogue listening and it expects its DAB listening to overtake analogue within the next licensed period. Nation submitted a range of commercial impacts linked to declining local revenues, declining audiences and increasing costs. Information was provided to Ofcom which highlighted the range of cost increases across a number of areas, which the Licensee has been considering in the context of maintaining the existing transmitter network. Further, the proposal highlighted that in order to maintain the current levels of service, the existing transmitter network would need to be updated or replaced, which would require immediate capital expenditure on behalf of the Licensee. The surrendering of smaller FM licences which duplicate DAB areas for radio stations is on the increase across Europe, and RadioToday understands this trend will continue over the next few years here in the UK. https://radiotoday.co.uk/2024/12/nation-broadcasting-to-turn-off-four-fm-transmitters-in-scotland-and-wales/

29 November 2024 Former Manchester digital station Max is relaunching this weekend playing 80s music on DAB in Newcastle. The station, run by ex-BBC radio executive John Ryan, has hired actor Louise Jameson as the station voice. Features will include songs from a featured Classic Album each week; 20/20 Eighties Trivia; and games to play along with like the Telly-gram and the fiendish chart guessing game Maxematics. You won¡¯t hear the news of today on Max. Instead, re-live the top stories of each day in the 80s broadcast on the hour. John says: ¡°Max is the 1980s radio station for people who were there, back then. For me, it meant the years between 12 and 22 ¨C leaving home, first jobs, first loves ¨C and three very happy years living and working in Newcastle! ¡°Give us a try and relive your 80s memories ¨C with Max.¡± Max 80s will launch at 1200 on Sunday 1 December 2024 on DAB and online at max80s.co.uk. The station previously existed from 2015 to 2020 on the Manchester small-scale multiplex. https://radiotoday.co.uk/2024/11/max-80s-returns-on-newcastle-small-scale-dab-radio-multiplex/

The first four awards in Round Six of the small-scale DAB awards have been announced by Ofcom. The winning applications have been confirmed in Bournemouth, Poole, Isle of Wight and Warminster. The Isle of Wight and Warminster areas only attracted one licence per area, and the single applicants ¨C West Wiltshire Digital Radio CIC and Wight Digital Radio CIC ¨C were awarded with their respective area licences. In Bournemouth, three applications were submitted, with the winning bid being owned by BH Community DAB Limited ¨C a joint venture between Hope FM, Hot Radio, Hospital Radio Bedside and Wide FM (communications company). In awarding, Ofcom said Hope¡¯s shareholding had to be cut down from 35% to 5% as per the ownership rules surrounding a religious company being involved in a small-scale DAB service, to which BH Community DAB were happy to do as its business plan was not reliant on funding from Hope FM. And in Poole, out of the two applications, the licence was awarded to Wide Digital, which contains mostly the same shareholders as BH Community DAB, albeit with different amounts. As a result, the shareholding needs to change to reduce Hope FM to 5% as per paragraph 2 of Part II of Schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Act 1990, where such participants are limited to a maximum 5% shareholding in a small-scale multiplex licensee. All new licencees have 18 months to commence broadcasting. The other 23 areas for Round Six are yet to be announced. https://radiotoday.co.uk/2024/10/ofcom-starts-awarding-small-scale-dab-multiplexes-in-round-6/