Hundreds of New Digital Radio Stations for Local Listeners

Hundreds of new local digital radio stations could start broadcasting in the UK from next year, under proposals outlined by Ofcom

With over 40% of the UK’s radio listening now taking place on the Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) platform, today’s proposals mark a major step towards expanding local DAB coverage, giving listeners an even wider choice of new digital radio stations.

Small-scale DAB is cutting-edge technology, pioneered in the UK by an Ofcom engineer. It provides local commercial, community and specialist music stations with a low-cost route to hitting the digital airwaves.

The consultation sets out:

• our proposed spectrum and licensing process;

• our approach to developing a coverage area plan; and

• how we intend to advertise licences and assess applications.

Ofcom would like to hear from interested parties by Friday 4 October and intend to start advertising licences early in 2020.

Public consultation information - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/licensing-small-scale-dab-new-powers-and-duties-proposed-by-government