Nation Broadcasting has announced it will be applying for four small scale DAB licences in Ofcom’s sixth round of licensing.
They will be submitting applications for Ayr, Bournemouth, the Isle of Wight and Sunderland in time for the closing date of 5pm on Thursday 18th July 2024.
The Bournemouth application is a venture between local FM broadcaster Nation and newly launched Bournemouth One.
Roy Martin, co-founder of Bournemouth One said of the partnership: “It makes perfect sense for Bournemouth One, as the only locally-based commercial radio station, to team up with a company that has the experience and infrastructure to successfully launch, operate and finance the small-scale DAB multiplex for the town, especially as it is already successfully covering the broadcast area with Nation Radio.
“Bournemouth One is already attracting a substantial audience online following our launch in January, and we can’t wait to bring this and extra services to DAB in the next year or so.”
The Isle of Wight application is a venture between local FM broadcaster Nation and Island FM broadcaster Angel Radio Isle of Wight.
Chris & Bev Webster, Managers of Angel Radio Isle of Wight said: “As the Island’s oldest Ofcom licensed community radio station, we have seen the good that radio can do to serve the community, especially underserved members of the older generation.
“We know that many of our listeners now have DAB radios and we want to be able to reach them and we look forward to a digital future for our station. Teaming with Nation makes good sense for us as they are a commercial operator that cares about community radio.”
In Sunderland, Nation has teamed up with RedArmy Group.
Its Founder Dave Roberts said: “I’m delighted RedArmy Group is teaming up with Nation Broadcasting for the Sunderland DAB application. As a proud North Easterner, it is essential to see such a strong option to bring small-scale DAB to such a radio-ready market. Both operations have their own multiplexes as well as stations serving the city, so it is comforting to see us come together to offer such a safe pair of hands.”
Jason Bryant, Executive Chairman of Nation Broadcasting said: “Nation has been involved in small scale DAB right from the early days of the Ofcom trials, from running multiplexes to backing them with our own services and deploying world leading technology through our DAB multiplex business Factum Radioscape.
“Nation has a proven track record in supporting broadcasters, both commercial and non-profit in achieving access to DAB digital radio, and I am excited for the opportunity for Nation to lead on DAB digital radio development in Ayr, Bournemouth, the Isle of Wight and Sunderland.”
Prospective radio services should make contact about being included on Nation’s applications for Ayr, Bournemouth, the Isle of Wight and Sunderland at muxcast.com.
