UK to get hundreds of new local digital radio stations in proposals published by Ofcom who are seeking expressions of interest by October 2019. The proposals which could see the stations start broadcasting next year were submitted to Parliament on the 20th June.
With over 40% of the UK’s radio listening now taking place on the Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) platform, the proposals mark a major step towards expanding local DAB coverage. Using technology pioneered in the UK by an Ofcom engineer, small-scale DAB provides local commercial, community and specialist music stations with a low-cost route to hitting the digital airwaves. It uses freely available software and computer technology to transmit digital radio services enabling stations to broadcast to a relatively small geographic area.
In the UK, the concept was first tested by Ofcom engineer Rashid Mustapha in 2012 and subsequently the Government funded a series of trials, licensed and facilitated by Ofcom, to test the feasibility of the technology. The trials demonstrated that small-scale DAB can provide a robust and reliable means for small analogue stations to broadcast on digital, as well as for entrants wishing to launch new radio services on a digital terrestrial platform.
Graham Plumb, Ofcom’s Director of Spectrum Broadcasting said: “People increasingly prefer digital radio, and by enabling smaller stations to join this digital revolution, we can broaden the choice for local listeners up and down the country.”
Following successful trials, Ofcom are now consulting on how it would implement Government legislation to create a framework for the licensing of small-scale DAB radio on a permanent basis.
For further details on the consultation process which finishes on the 4th October go here. It is expected that Ofcom will start advertising licences early next year.
