Cumbria.Digital has submitted an application to Ofcom to establish a small-scale DAB multiplex for Carlisle, Penrith, and surrounding areas.
If approved, Cumbria.Digital says it aims to have the platform operational by early 2025, using two transmission sites in Carlisle and Penrith.
Cumbria.Digital has committed to reserving capacity for up to six community services, exceeding the minimum requirement ofcom required of four.
Jonathan Davies, Director of Cumbria.Digital, expressed gratitude for the support received from local organisations: “I would personally like to thank Eden FM, Cumberland Radio, Love Carlisle, and Penrith Town for their support.
“We look forward to working with them to bring their new and existing radio services to DAB in the local area, alongside other local, national and specialist stations hoping to join the Carlisle and Penrith community through Cumbria.Digital.
“This has been a five-year journey for us, awaiting legislative and regulatory developments to catch-up with our plans. With Ofcom’s approval, Cumbria.Digital aims to unlock the potential of local digital radio capabilities to match other parts of the UK and also put us at the forefront of what DaB can do.”
Cumbria.Digital also plans to establish two media hubs, providing studio facilities for community stations and provide collaborative broadcasting facilities. They hope will enable collaboration and partnerships to form with local schools and universities to create educational media opportunities for students.
“We believe this initiative could be a catalyst for further opportunities locally and across Cumbria,” said Jonathan.
“Radio has a rich history of driving innovation and economic growth, from the early days of regular programming in the Netherlands in 1919 to the BBC’s launch in 1922. We aim to continue this tradition.”
Cumbria.Digital is also exploring the opportunities additional data capabilities of DAB offers, with potential to work with local councils and service providers with applications including real-time bus service updates at rural stops and local in-car traffic information as two examples the company gave.
“We are committed to unlocking DAB’s full potential for the area,” Jonathan added. “We look forward to collaborating with community groups and businesses to make this a shared success for the area.”
See more at cumbria.digital.
