News
The Media Operations System blog contains tips and advice on the various tools within the system as well as wider advice about radio stations.
Have you made the switch to DAB yet?
Posted: 22nd October 2024
Over 500 programme services have launched on the 64 small-scale DAB multiplexes already launched across the UK.
Ofcom has so far awarded 115 licences as part of its programme to rollout small-scale DAB multiplexes with more due to be announced soon with 33 applications in the 6th round being considered.
Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist radio stations to broadcast on digital radio. It's providing a route for existing AM/FM stations to make the switch, working towards the eventual switch-off for FM radio.
Ofcom made its first small-scale multiplex licences in March 2021 and demand has been popular with 212 applications received for the 167 areas advertised.
The multiplexes launched carry 590 programme services between them - of which 292 are unique services – with an average of just over nine radio stations per multiplex.
Locally oriented services, both community and commercial, make up the largest category of unique stations (43%). But small-scale multiplexes are also delivering significant numbers of specialist music services (29%), stations targeting minority ethnic and faith communities (17%), and lifestyle or life-stage stations (9.5%). Nearly two thirds (65%) of sare newcomers to terrestrial radio broadcasting.
View other news stories
