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

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.

An area of Conwy which includes Colwyn Bay, Abergele, Llandudno and down the Conwy Valley as far as Betws-y-Coed has been highlighted by Ofcom as one of the areas which could benefit from a small scale 'community' service.

New transmitters will be capable of carrying a number of radio services serving different communities and stations offering a wider choice of music.

Coast Community Radio CIC owners of Bayside Radio has shown a strong interest in launching a radio service for the Bay of Colwyn in addition to their online radio and news service.

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.

By using freely available software and computer technology to transmit digital radio services, small-scale DAB enables stations to broadcast to a relatively small geographic area.

To make the best use of valuable spectrum and give existing and new local stations the opportunity to broadcast digitally, we’re allocating airwaves previously occupied by business communication services.

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 over the past few years, Ofcom are now consulting on how they would implement Government legislation to create a framework for the licensing of small-scale DAB radio on a permanent basis.