Four new DAB digital radio stations have taken to the airwaves of Darlington, Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe as the area becomes the latest region to benefit from what’s known as small scale DAB.
The initiative, from the broadcast regulator Ofcom, is allowing smaller stations to broadcast on DAB Digital Radio.
The channels, Frisk Radio, Dance Revolution, Alpha Radio and Durham OnAir are all based in the north east and will be followed today (4th August) by other local channels, Aycliffe Radio and Prince Bishops Hospital Radio and shortly by Bishop FM.
This is a project which has been led by local community broadcasters who have worked with specialists in the field and come together to form Durham Digital which will run the transmitters and equipment needed for the broadcasts.
Chairman of Prince Bishops Hospital Radio, Craig Robinson, said: “Prince Bishops Hospital Radio has been part of the hospital community for over 40 years. We have always been innovative in how we reach our audience and promote health throughout County Durham and Darlington. We look forward to this exciting opportunity to work with Durham Digital and bring hospital radio further into the communities we serve.”
Gary Burgham, Programme Director at Bishop FM, added: “I’m thrilled to be part of a great team presenting the opportunity to bring a community-based DAB service to Bishop Auckland, Aycliffe and my hometown of Darlington.”
Aycliffe Radio Station Director, Paul Howarth, said: “Aycliffe Radio are relatively new to the radio world, during the last five years our 30+ volunteer presenters have entertained and informed local residents via the world wide web and we would like to extend our reach to even more listeners. Small scale DAB is the perfect opportunity for us to keep our shows local.”
Chair of Durham Digital Brian Lister, who was the boss at TFM and part of the management team at Metro Radio, also helped to set up stations in Darlington, Durham and Barnard Castle. He has also acted as a consultant for hundreds of local and community radio projects around the UK.
Also involved is Richard Finch, who is part of the team at Tyneside Community Digital, the company which runs the small scale DAB service in Newcastle and Gateshead.
Richard said: “I’m delighted to be part of the team that aims to bring this exciting new service to the people of South Durham. Small Scale DAB will bring a diverse range of new and local radio stations, increasing listener choice and helping to build stronger communities.”
Any stations interested on being on the service should contact the team through the website durham.digital