News

A new digital radio network made possible by legislation sponsored by Torbay MP Kevin Foster has launched across Torbay and Teignbridge. TorDab, which is operated by people associated with Devon’s Radio Exe and South Devon Radio – a new station in Torbay – became fully operational this week. TorDab, which has three transmitters across the Torbay and Teignbridge area, means that radio stations linked to the network reach around 210,000 adults. As well as Radio Exe and South Devon Radio, Phonic, and Ocean Youth Radio, which provides opportunities for young people to train in broadcasting, are part of the network, as well as Radio Exe’s non-stop Christmas station Radio ExeMas.

Central FM has switched on the small-scale DAB digital radio multiplex for Stirling and Falkirk. Two radio stations are currently on the platform, including Central FM itself. The only other service at the moment is hospital service Radio Royal but community radio station, Forth Valley Radio, is joining soon. Central FM plans to launch a series of spin-off stations in the year. Alan Edwards, Content Manager for Central FM said: "We are proud to be the Forth Valley’s Number 1 Commercial Radio station and are absolutely delighted to be launching our new multiplex. This is the ideal platform for us to provide a better quality service for our listeners."

Frisk Radio has launched on the newly commissioned Middlesbrough and Redcar small-scale DAB multiplex. Darlington-born DJ, Chris Bell, officially welcomed listeners across Middlesbrough, Stockton, and Redcar at 6pm on Friday 3rd November, with a “Retro Mini-Mix” – a nostalgic homage to a club night well known in the area. The station is now on four local multiplexes across the North East and will soon offer split ads for local businesses.

Hospital service Radio Royal in the Forth Valley has joined a local DAB Digital Radio multiplex. They’re now broadcasting via Central FM’s small-scale DAB service. Chair of Radio Royal Andrew Morley said: “It’s great to get Radio Royal back on the air again, we had many listeners let us know that they missed our broadcasts after our AM service closed when we moved to the Forth Valley Royal Hospital in 2010. “Our unique blend of music and healthcare messaging will now be available to a much wider audience across the Forth Valley and I would like to thank Central FM and NHS Forth Valley for their support in making this launch possible”.

North Yorkshire-based community service Drystone Radio has added itself to the newly launched East Lancashire small-scale DAB multiplex. The station says it is launching a new station for East Lancashire after extending and rebroadcasting its output on DAB in Bradford earlier this year. Drystone Radio was founded in 1998 as a registered charity to promote active community involvement in regeneration and social inclusion, and to enhance diversity and inclusion.

A new station called Sound Radio is launching in Liverpool on the new small-scale DAB service for the city. Sound Radio Liverpool starts on Wednesday 1st November at 8am with breakfast presenter Mike Peters. Other stations on the new multiplex include Love 80s, Dune Radio, Panacea Soul and Zest Liverpool.

Liverpool DAB is set to turn on the new small-scale DAB transmitter for the city on November 1st 2023. The mux owners are looking for radio stations to join the service, saying it will reach nearly one million people locally. “We’re thrilled to be launching the Liverpool DAB multiplex,” said director David Duffy. “We believe this represents another major milestone for the UK digital radio industry, and we’re looking forward to bringing an ever-expanding range of radio services to the people of Liverpool and the wider Merseyside area.”

Central Radio North West will expand to East Lancashire this November as the area’s small-scale DAB multiplex launches. The commercial station is already carried on the Blackpool and Preston multiplexes, and will add another potential 350,000 listeners in towns including Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Burnley and Colne. The East Lancashire small-scale DAB multiplex is owned by BBD Digital – and has three transmitter sites to cover the area. On awarding of the licence 18 months ago, 23 services had signed heads of agreement to broadcast on the multiplex.

Hospital radio service Rookwood Sound is evolving into a health and well-being service and joining DAB in Cardiff. Stephen Allen, Chief Executive of Rookwood Sound, said: “After launching on the internet and now on DAB+ we will be able to provide a service to most people across Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan and further afield. We can act as a link between loved ones receiving care wherever they are and DAB+ provides us with that platform, along with the launch of our App in the next few weeks, it is an exciting time for our volunteers and listeners old and new."

Manchester’s ALL FM 96.9 is launching on DAB from this Friday 20th October at 7pm. This will increase the station’s reach to a potential of over one million people across Manchester and Salford. ALL FM Director, Ed Connole said: “ALL FM’s ethos is ‘by the community, for the community’, so being able to engage audiences on DAB means we can continue to be inclusive, dynamic and talk with communities across the city.” ALL FM is part of the Manchester DAB group, which was awarded the small-scale DAB licence by Ofcom. The group includes Gaydio, Legacy 90.1, North Manchester FM, Reform Radio and Salford Community Radio.