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Isle of Man

Last update: 13.04.2023

On 12 April 2023, following an approach from Manx Radio to test DAB on the Isle of Man the Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority has issued a Radio Multiplex Test And Trial licence which contains the conditions for this trial.

3FM and Energy FM may also take part in this trial.

The licence states: this Licence shall enter into force on 02/05/2023 and shall be of 3 years in duration.

Manx Radio news story: Manx Radio granted 3-year DAB licence

Last update: 13.04.2023

The Information Notice issued by CURA states:

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is a technology which provides a low-cost route for local commercial, community and specialist music services to broadcast on terrestrial digital radio.

The Authority is to issue a 3 year Licence for such a trial to be run at Manx Radio’s request to allow Manx Radio to assess the future feasibility of such a service. As part of the trial Manx Radio will be permitted to provide access to the DAB service to other broadcasters who currently hold a Broadcasting Licence issued by the Authority for their services.

The Test and Trial Licence states:

Subject to section 129 of the Act, this Licence shall enter into force on 02/05/2023 and shall be of 3 years in duration.

SCHEDULE 2: THE LICENSED SERVICE

Service name: Manx Radio Limited

DSP Provider: Manx Radio Limited

Service description: Direct feed of Manx Radio’s AM and FM licenced broadcast.

Times of broadcast: 24hrs a day, 7 days a week

Service name: 3FM

DSP Provider: Manx Radio Limited

Service description: Direct feed of 3FM’s licenced broadcast.

Times of broadcast: 24hrs a day, 7 days a week

Service name: Energy FM

DSP Provider: Manx Radio Limited

Service description: Direct feed of Energy FM’s licenced broadcast.

Times of broadcast: 24hrs a day, 7 days a week

Manx Radio begins DAB trial

05.05.2023 - Isle of Man

Manx Radio listeners in Douglas and Onchan will be able to listen to the station on DAB for the first time from 2 May. At 8am, the station will begin its trial of the technology, having been granted a three-year licence by the Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority. The trial will cost around £20,000, it's hoped the digital service will replace Manx Radio's AM transmitter.

(Manx Radio) Read more

Manx Radio granted 3-year DAB licence

12.04.2023 - Isle of Man

Manx Radio has been granted a three-year licence to test and trial digital audio broadcasting, or DAB. The Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority has announced it's given the station the go-ahead to use the digital platform for the first time. CURA says other stations on the Island may also take part, and adds that the licence has been granted to gather the required technological and demographic data.

(Manx Radio) Read more

Manx Radio calls for DAB

12.09.2022 - Isle of Man

Isle of Man broadcaster Manx Radio has continued its persistence in calling for a digital service (known as DAB or digital audio broadcasting) in the island, with managing director Chris Sully saying: ‘There is a danger that the Isle of Man community is being left behind as the rest of the British Isles moves to DAB.’ He added: ‘The BBC has switched off nearly all their local radio AM transmitters in favour of FM and DAB. The Channel Islands have their own DAB multiplex offering 26 different audio services via a DAB radio to listeners. ‘Therefore, it is still the intention of Manx Radio to move toward offering a DAB platform as a listening alternative on the island.'

(Isle of Man Today) Read more

Isle of Man minister puts forward DAB question

01.04.2018 - British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) WorldDAB Member - Isle of Man

The BBC could be approached by the Isle of Man government to help radio stations in the island broadcast digital content via local DAB transmitters. Chief minister Howard Quayle said he could raise the issue of allowing other stations to use the DAB transmitter as part of wider negotiations over the TV licence fee and the corporation’s Isle of Man coverage.

(Isle of Man Today) Read more

Commission to continue monitoring digital radio growth

29.09.2011 - Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is to continue to look at the development of digital radio. The Communications Commission carried out a consultation into a strategy for digital radio on the Island. The majority of those who responded believed the Island should monitor ...

(Energy FM) Read more

Increase in DAB radio usage

03.02.2009 - Isle of Man

There's further evidence today of the growth in use of digital - or DAB - radios in the Isle of Man. The latest figures from Radio Joint Audience Research ...

(Manx Radio, UK) Read more

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Key Information

Status:

trial and/or regulation

Useful Links

DAB Test And Trial Licence