Listeners from Warrington to Wrexham will soon be able to tune into a wider choice of ultra-local digital radio stations, with Ofcom awarding 17 small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences in North West England and North East Wales.[1] Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which provides a low-cost route to air for local Read more +
Posts Tagged: licensing
Ofcom invites applications for third round of small-scale DAB multiplex licences
Applications have opened for the third round of small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences for 25 areas across England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology that provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves. The small-scale Read more +
The UK’s first permanent small-scale DAB multiplex launches!
The UK’s first permanent small-scale DAB multiplex fires up this week marking another milestone in the UK’s radio landscape. Test broadcasts on the first permanent small-scale DAB multiplex will start in Tynemouth and South Shields this week. Tests will continue until Friday 10th December when up to 20 new Read more +
Third & Fourth Small-scale DAB Licensing Rounds
The list of multiplex licence areas that Ofcom plans to advertise in Round Three of small-scale DAB licensing is available: Bedford Belfast & Lisburn Coventry Darlington & Bishop Auckland Dundee East Hull Leicester Lincoln Llandudno & Betws-y-Coed Middlesbrough & Redcar Milton Keynes North Aberdeen Nottingham Oxford Rutland & Stamford Shaftesbury & Blandford Read more +
Ofcom publishes applications for second round of small-scale DAB licensing
Ofcom has published the applications received to operate small-scale radio multiplexes in North West England and North East Wales. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology that will provide a low-cost route for local commercial, community, and specialist music stations to take to the digital airwaves. A total of 30 applications were received Read more +
Apply for a short-term restricted service licence (SRSL)
Ofcom has opened an application window for SRSL applicants hoping to broadcast on any dates between Wednesday 30 March and Tuesday 3 May 2022 inclusive – of relevance for Ramadan 2022. The application window will remain open until 5pm on Friday 17 September 2021. Applicants should ensure they are familiar with the application Read more +
Even more digital radio stations to take to the airwaves
Innovative technology to bring over 500 hyper-local stations to the digital airwaves New services to launch in all four nations of the UK Further licences to be awarded later this year Thousands of listeners right across the UK are set to enjoy a richer and wider range of radio programming Read more +
Ofcom progresses the next phase of SSDAB licensing
More local listeners will be able to tune into new digital radio stations, as Ofcom continues its roll-out of small-scale DAB. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology that provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves. Ofcom has: announced five Read more +
Ofcom announces latest small-scale DAB multiplex awards
Ofcom has awarded another round of small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences for five more areas in England, Scotland and Wales. Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, multiplex licences have been awarded for the following areas: Cardiff: licence awarded to Cardiff DAB Limited Edinburgh: licence awarded Read more +
Ofcom awards second wave of small-scale DAB multiplex licences
Ofcom has awarded four more small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences in England and Scotland. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology that provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves. Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific Read more +
Ofcom awards first small-scale DAB multiplex licences
Ofcom has announced the first-ever awards of small-scale radio multiplex licences. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which provides a low-cost route for local commercial, community and specialist music stations to take to the airwaves. Last year, Ofcom set out how they would license small-scale DAB and invited applications for a first round of multiplex licences. Following Read more +
Ofcom publishes list of applications for small-scale DAB multiplexes
Ofcom has published a full list of applications received in the first round of small-scale DAB multiplex licensing. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which will provide a low-cost route for local commercial, community and specialist music stations to take to the digital airwaves. A total of 45 applications were Read more +
2020/21 Evidencing Community Radio Needs on FM Survey
The Community Media Association is conducting a survey to gauge the potential interest of community media projects that aspire to obtain a full-time 5-year community radio licence on FM. This survey will close in early January 2021. The first round of licensing for small-scale digital audio broadcasting closed in November 2020 and the invitation Read more +
Ofcom publishes list of applications for small-scale DAB multiplexes
Ofcom has published a full list of applications received in the first round of small-scale DAB multiplex licensing. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which will provide a low-cost route for local commercial, community and specialist music stations to take to the digital airwaves.A total of 45 applications were received for the Read more +
Applications open for small-scale DAB multiplex licences
Ofcom is now advertising the first 25 small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences – offering a low-cost route for local commercial, community and specialist music stations to take to the digital airwaves. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology that will expand local digital radio coverage and ensure listeners will be able Read more +
Temporary RSLs can continue beyond 5th September
Temporary radio stations providing news and information about the coronavirus pandemic have the option to continue to broadcast beyond 5 September, in areas which are subject to additional lockdown restrictions. Ofcom introduced the new temporary Covid-19 “short-term restricted service licence” (SRSL) at the start of lockdown in March. Licences were Read more +
Key Commitments Survey
The Community Media Association is surveying the sector on the delivery of stations’ key commitments during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. We are collating responses to be presented to Ofcom in August and all replies will be anonymised for confidentiality. https://chat.commedia.org.uk/t/key-commitments-survey/1788
Ofcom awards three new community radio licences in Northampton
Ofcom has announced the award of three new community radio licences in Northampton. The three new community radio licences have been awarded to: Inspiration FM (Inspiration Radio Ltd), Northampton Website: www.inspirationfm.co.uk Inspiration FM will serve underrepresented ethnic minority communities in Northampton with the specific aim of promoting social inclusion. The service Read more +
Commencement of small-scale DAB licensing
Following the publication of Ofcom’s Statement in April on Licensing small-scale DAB, Ofcom has announced their plans to advertise the first (‘Round One’) small-scale radio multiplex licences on Tuesday 1 September 2020. This will also be the date from which applicants will be able to apply for a Community Digital Read more +
Ofcom awards six new community radio licences (May 2020)
Ofcom has announced the award of six new community radio licences in England and Scotland. The new stations will serve communities in Dunfermline in Scotland, and Kent, London and North Somerset in England. Community radio services are provided on a not-for-profit basis, focusing on the delivery of specific social benefits Read more +
Ofcom Develops Temporary COVID-19 Short-term Restricted Service Licence
Ofcom has developed a new temporary licence product in light of the extraordinary circumstances of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic for those wanting to provide a radio service designed specifically to share information, news and updates about the Covid-19 pandemic with their community. Ofcom, like all of us, must act responsibly at Read more +
Ofcom Statement: Licensing small-scale DAB – how Ofcom will exercise its new functions
Small-scale DAB is a new way of transmitting digital radio that uses advances in software and low-cost computer technology to provide a flexible and inexpensive approach to the terrestrial broadcast of digital radio services to a relatively small geographic area. Ofcom has now published its statement that sets out how Read more +
Ofcom: a Coronavirus update
Dear Broadcaster Ofcom is understandably receiving a number of queries from broadcast licensees about the Coronavirus situation and how we will view any impact the current situation has on compliance with regulatory obligations. We recognise that the current situation is fast-moving and unpredictable. We appreciate that all organisations will need to follow Government Read more +
Key Commitments and coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Community Media Association recently raised the issue with Ofcom of the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) possibly impacting on the ability of community radio stations to meet their Key Commitments. Ofcom advises that in any situation where they are assessing whether or not a station is complying with its Key Commitments (or Format for Read more +
Ofcom awards four new community radio licences
Ofcom has announced the award of three new community radio licences in England, and one in Scotland. The new stations will serve communities in Edinburgh, Melksham in Wiltshire, Thornbury in Gloucestershire and Wimborne Minster, East Dorset. Community radio services are provided on a not-for-profit basis, focusing on the delivery of Read more +
Ofcom awards four new community radio licences
Ofcom announces the award of four new community radio licences in England, Scotland, and Wales. The new stations will serve communities in Shaftesbury, Dorset in England; Shotts in Lanarkshire, Scotland; Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales; and Towyn, Conwy, in North Wales. Community radio services are provided on a not-for-profit basis, Read more +
Ofcom – Supporting community radio across the UK
Ofcom announces that the current round of community radio licensing on FM or AM will be the last “for the foreseeable future, as we will shortly begin licensing new local digital radio stations that will use cutting-edge ‘small-scale DAB’ technology, pioneered by an Ofcom engineer. We expect to invite applications Read more +
Invitation of applications for new community radio licences
Ofcom is inviting applications for new FM community radio licences (PDF, 196.3 KB) in 43 areas across the UK. These areas were announced in September 2018, and were based on earlier responses from individuals or groups who had expressed an interest in applying for a community radio licence. The closing Read more +
New application process for short-term restricted service licences
Ofcom has outlined a new application process for short-term restricted service licences (SRSLs). Under the new process, applications should now be submitted by email. Other changes include requiring applicants to provide more detailed information to help us better assess whether they have appropriate processes for ensuring compliance with broadcasting standards. Read more +
Ofcom update on community radio licensing plans
Ofcom has published a list of 43 locations across the UK where they will invite applications for new FM community radio licences. The areas have been selected based on responses to Ofcom’s earlier call, last November, for individuals or groups to express their interest in applying for a community radio Read more +
