U.K. media regulator Ofcom said 100 small-scale DAB digital multiplexes have now been launched nationally under a program that began about four years ago.
“Small-scale DAB provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves,” it said.
ExeDAB, serving East Devon, is number 100. It is run by commercial station Radio Exe and community broadcaster Phonic FM. “It brings a variety of additional digital radio services to the towns of Honiton and Sidmouth, including Devoncast Radio and Sid Valley Radio.”
Ofcom quoted its Director of Broadcast Licensing and Program Operations Paul Mercer saying the launch “marks another major milestone meaning that even more listeners can benefit from local, diverse content, as well as boosting the local economy.”
Ofcom has also awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licenses to serve Armagh, Derby, Guildford, Woking, Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport.
And it said it is consulting on a request by TorDAB Ltd. to change the area to be served by the Torbay small-scale radio multiplex service.
