October 28, 2019 - 2020 views
Truly local radio for Conwy, Denbighshire and for areas right across the whole of the UK is one step closer today.
New rules have come into force will see the launch of hundreds of new digital radio stations across the UK.
Earlier this year industry regulator Ofcom proposed rules that would allocate airwaves to existing and new local stations that had previously been allocated to business radio.
The Government has now confirmed that legislation will come into force enabling this to happen.
Small-scale digital audio broadcasting (DAB) is cutting edge technology, pioneered in the UK. 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.
Ofcom have identified the county of Conwy, an area which takes in Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Penmaenmawr, Abergele and the Conwy Valley as one of the localities which it will be seeking applications for at some point early next year.
Currently, over 40% of the UK’s radio listening takes place on DAB. The new rules will help to further expand local DAB coverage, giving listeners an even wider choice of new digital radio stations.
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.”
