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Ofcom has today awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licences for six more areas across 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. So far, 105 multiplexes have been launched, supporting a wide range of hyperlocal digital radio stations broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK. Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, multiplex licences have been awarded for the following areas: Chester, Chippenham and Malmesbury, Coleraine, Newbury, Telford and Shrewsbury, and Ullapool.

Listeners on the Isle of Wight will gain access to more local radio stations as a new small-scale DAB multiplex begins rollout from 18 April. The service from Wight Digital Radio is expected to reach around 80% of the island’s population at launch, with plans to expand coverage further as additional funding becomes available over time. Wight Digital Radio is a Community Interest Company formed through a partnership between Isle of Wight Radio and Vectis Radio, aiming to support the long-term future of local broadcasting. Eight stations will be available initially, covering community, specialist and commercial output. Kelvin Currie from Vectis Radio said: “It’s great that we will be able to secure the digital future of some existing local stations and increase listener choice with some new stations.”

UK media regulator Ofcom has today awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licences for five more areas across 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. So far over 100 multiplexes have launched, supporting a wide range of hyperlocal digital radio services broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK. Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, multiplex licences have been awarded for the five areas: Ballymena, Barnsley, Lincoln, South West Fife, and South West Sussex.

Isle of Wight Radio will expand onto small scale DAB with a new retro service this April. The new station, Isle of Wight Radio Retro, will broadcast on the Island’s small scale DAB multiplex, marking a new move for the long-running commercial station. The launch also forms part of the wider rollout of small scale DAB locally, increasing digital listening options for those on the Island. Claire John, Managing Director of Isle of Wight Radio, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be helping bring small scale DAB radio to the Isle of Wight. As well as being able to listen to our main station on DAB, Retro will offer something a little different — a fresh but familiar sound for the Island.”

The Halifax DAB multiplex has launched, offering a greater choice of listening for audiences across the region. Stations now broadcasting on the multiplex include Sunrise Radio – already on air across Calderdale on 100.6 FM, Sunrise Radio Gold, Phoenix Radio – the Halifax-based community statio, also available on 96.7 FM and Culture City Radio. Director Raj Parmar said: “This launch represents a major step forward for local radio in Calderdale. By bringing together a mix of established broadcasters and new digital services, we are proud to offer listeners more choice than ever before, while supporting community-focused and culturally diverse programming.”

A small-scale DAB digital multiplex in East Devon marks the 100th to be launched under Ofcom’s nationwide roll out of this innovative technology. Small-scale DAB provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves. ExeDAB, which is run jointly by commercial station Radio Exe and community broadcaster Phonic FM, is the 100th small-scale DAB multiplex to launch since the first service went live in December 2021. 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.”

A new small-scale DAB service has gone live across parts of East Devon. ExeDab has extended its Exeter-based multiplex into coastal and market towns including Sidmouth and Honiton, bringing additional digital radio services to the area. To coincide with the expansion, Devon’s three small-scale DAB networks, ExeDab, TorDab and PlymDab, have introduced a spring offer enabling stations to access audiences across the county at a discounted rate. Paul Nero, managing director of Radio Exe, said: “This new investment in East Devon means listeners in growing towns such as Honiton and Sidmouth can now enjoy additional digital radio stations that cover their areas, while opening up new services for advertisers too.”

St Neots’ Black Cat Radio has secured grant funding from National Highways as part of the A428 improvement project’s legacy programme to help expand digital radio coverage across St Neots & Huntingdon. The funding will support the rollout of new DAB digital transmitters and infrastructure, bringing improved radio access to communities along the A428 corridor and surrounding areas. The expansion will extend digital coverage from Stilton through to Sandy, and from Kempston to Cambourne, as well as along major routes including the A1, A14 and A421. The project aims to ensure growing communities connected by the upgraded road network have access to reliable local broadcasting.

Chelmsford’s new small-scale DAB multiplex is now on air, expanding local digital radio choice across the city. Chelmsford Digital Radio officially launched on 14 February, marking 104 years since 2MT Writtle began regular entertainment broadcasts in 1922. The Mayor highlighted the city’s role in the origins of wireless communication, referencing Guglielmo Marconi’s work in Chelmsford and the area’s long broadcasting heritage. Rebecca Steers, Founder of Chelmsford Digital Radio, said: “It’s an honour to build on Chelmsford’s incredible broadcasting legacy. Small-scale DAB gives local, independent, and community stations the ability to flourish and be heard.” Rebecca added that the multiplex would help local voices reach listeners across the city and continue Chelmsford’s tradition of innovation in radio.

Chelmsford celebrated a major milestone in its long and storied broadcasting heritage with the official launch of Chelmsford Digital Radio, the city’s new small‑scale DAB multiplex designed to bring a richer, more diverse range of radio services to local listeners. The event was marked by an opening address delivered by the Mayor, who highlighted Chelmsford’s profound connection to the origins of wireless communication and broadcasting. The launch date holds special historical significance: 14 February 2026 marks exactly 104 years since the first regular entertainment radio station, 2MT Writtle, began broadcasting on 14 February 1922. In her speech, the Mayor spoke about the city’s pioneering contribution to wireless technology, beginning with Guglielmo Marconi’s groundbreaking work in Chelmsford and how the spirit of innovation continues into the digital era.