Dozens of new radio stations will be available in the North East, following the switch-on of a new small-scale DAB multiplex today.
Operated by Teesside firm, Mux One, 13 new stations in Tynemouth and South Shields will be available at launch, with more to go live in the coming months.
“Small-scale DAB really is a revolution for local radio. The technology makes it cheaper and easier for local community stations to take to the digital airwaves, meaning listeners can access a wider choice of ultra-local content than ever before,” said Philip Marnick, Ofcom’s Spectrum Group Director.
“We’re delighted that communities in the North East will be the first to benefit from the new stations available on MUX ONE.”
Ofcom’s national small-scale DAB programme will enable the launch of around 200 multiplexes covering all four UK nations. The technology makes it cheaper and easier for local community stations to broadcast.
The 13 stations in the North East include Angel Radio’s celebration of the past, with a “warm and inclusive” mix of vintage music from the 1920s to the 1960s, and Dance Revolution, described as a one stop shop for dance music in the north east.
These new services will broadcast in DAB+, an upgraded version of DAB that enables a greater number of stations to be broadcast.
