News

Ofcom has awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licences for four 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, 82 multiplexes have launched broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK. In total, the small-scale DAB programme will enable the launch of over 100 multiplexes. Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, multiplex licences have been awarded for the following areas: Ely & March, Market Harborough, Wakefield and Castleford, and Wellingborough.

Radio Woking is proud to announce that it is leading a collaborative bid to secure the Small-Scale DAB licence for the Woking, Aldershot, and Guildford area. The bid aims to create a vibrant digital platform for local radio stations, community broadcasters, and niche services. The bid is being supported and managed in partnership with Rebecca Steers, who first met Justin over a decade ago while working for local radio station Eagle Radio, and brings years of experience running and writing other small scale DAB multiplex bids. She said: “I’m passionate about supporting community radio stations like Radio Woking, and it’s a pleasure to support Justin's goal of getting his station, and other local stations on DAB across the area”

At the WorldDAB Summit in Antwerp on 20 November 2025, Usha Parmar and Raj Parmar delivered a high-impact presentation showcasing their leadership in DAB+ innovation and their pivotal involvement in securing Small-Scale DAB multiplex licences across multiple UK regions. British Asian media leaders Usha Parmar and Raj Parmar received a warm reception at the prestigious WorldDAB Summit 2025, where they were invited to present their insights on digital radio growth, listener engagement and the future of DAB+ broadcasting in the UK. Speaking in a session titled “A DAB+ business success: Sunrise Radio,” the Parmars highlighted how their strategic direction has helped position Sunrise Radio (Yorkshire) as one of the UK’s most successful and forward-thinking digital broadcasters.

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, 79 multiplexes have launched broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK. In total, the small-scale DAB programme will enable the launch of over 100 multiplexes. Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, multiplex licences have been awarded for the following areas: Lancaster, North Somerset, Oban, Taunton, and West Oxfordshire.

On 9 October, Dutch Guild organised a meeting at the media center of regional broadcaster NH Media in Hilversum, the Netherlands. Dutch Guild brings together multimedia professionals and organizes networking events several times a year, each focusing on a current technical topic. The aim is to exchange knowledge and experience by inviting guests who can tell a compelling story. This time, the focus was “Open-Source Broadcast.” Among the speakers was Yoran Kipping from Red Bee Media in Hilversum, who has also been closely involved with the local broadcaster ZFM in Zoetermeer for many years. He spoke about open-source broadcast in the field of DAB+ and reflected on developments from 2010 to the present, particularly in the Netherlands. The hall was filled with around 120 interested guests.

Lomond Radio is expanding its offering with the launch of two new sister stations on the Inverclyde DAB multiplex. From 1 October, listeners will be able to tune into Lomond Christmas, which will play festive favourites around the clock in the run-up to the holidays. One month later, on 1 November, Lomond Country will launch, bringing a non-stop mix of classic and contemporary country hits. Paul Lucas, Director at Lomond Radio, said: “We are so excited to be launching not one, but two new stations. We’ve seen incredible support for Lomond Radio’s local focus, and this expansion allows us to offer even more tailored content.”

Ofcom has today awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licences for seven 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. So far, 75 multiplexes have launched broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK. And in total, the small-scale DAB programme will enable the launch of over 100 multiplexes. Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, multiplex licences have now been awarded for the following areas: Banbury and Bicester; Enniskillen; Rugby and Daventry; Stockton-on-Tees; Western Isles; Weston-super-Mare; Worcester.

Unity 101 Community Radio is now broadcasting on DAB in Winchester. The Southampton-based station, run entirely by volunteers, has been on air for nearly 20 years, serving the city's Asian and ethnic communities, and now reaches across Hampshire and parts of Dorset. Station manager Ram Kalyan, known as Kelly, said: "Unity 101’s motto is for the community, to the community, by the community. "We’ve always been about giving local people a platform - and that includes you. Whether you're a listener, a local hero, or a small business owner, there’s a place for you on our airwaves." Unity 101 broadcasts in ten languages, including English, and provides full radio training for volunteers.

Applications have opened for the eighth and final round of small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences, covering 40 areas across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Each Ofcom-licensed small-scale multiplex allows grass-roots community services, specialist music stations, and services aimed at minority groups and other under-served audiences to take to the digital airwaves. So far, 75 multiplexes have launched broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK. In total, the small-scale DAB programme will enable the launch of over 100 multiplexes. Even more listeners will soon be able to tune in to new digital local radio stations, as Ofcom today invites multiplex applications for areas from Aberystwyth in Wales to Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands.

Pure Dance, the 2000s dance music station, is set to relaunch this September on small-scale DAB in Milton Keynes and Loughborough. The station first launched in 2004 and quickly became a central part of UK club culture, reaching close to a million monthly listeners while supporting music launches and campaigns with major labels. It was home to well-known DJs including Stu Allan, Slipmatt, Lisa Lashes and Matt Darey before going off air in 2006. Station founder Alex Kinch said: “The end of Pure Dance always felt like unfinished business. What started as us uploading archive shows turned into a full rebuild. Dance music deserves specialist radio made by people who live and breathe it – that’s what we’re bringing back.”