Arqiva, Bauer Radio and UTV TalkSport have formed a consortium in order to jointly apply for a license to operate a new national DAB multiplex in the United Kingdom, according to The Drum. This is partially in response to Channel 4’s failed 2008 application, the Guardian says.
Arqiva is the sole operator of the first multiplex, Digital One, which has reached full capacity. Bauer has five stations on this multiplex, and UTV’s TalkSport is also broadcast via Digital One.
A new radio multiplex would open up the capacity for 10 more digital radio stations.
“Our consortium has the necessary credentials to deliver this new network, and if our bid is successful, we expect the result to be a significant broadening of choice for radio listeners,” said Arqiva’s Managing Director of Terrestrial Broadcast Steve Holebrook.”
The companies have invited other interested third parties to note their desire to operate stations as part of its license application. These parties must apply directly to Arqiva.
Ofcom will close applications by October 30, a decision is expected by early 2015.
Bauer Radio reaches more than 22 million consumers weekly across its brands, and UTV owns 13 regional stations.
