Consultation launched in a bid to support 400 community and small commercial stations in moving from analogue to DAB signals
Many radio stations across the country are still running on technology from an age when DJs in the mould of comedy characters Smashie and Nicey, pictured here, still dominated the airwaves Credit: AAD/EMPICS Entertainment
The government is looking to assist local radio stations still broadcasting on FM and AM frequencies to move into the digital age.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has launched a consultation on how best to develop a licensing process to help create a UK-wide network of local digital audio broadcast (DAB) multiplexes, for use by the 400 or so commercial or community-run local radio stations that still broadcast via analogue technology.
Unlike FM and AM radio – in which each broadcasting station requires its own unique frequency – DAB radio allows stations to be grouped together and broadcast via a single multiplex frequency. The UK has 13 national multiplexes, each of which broadcasts multiple stations throughout the country or across a large region. Beyond this, there are more than 50 local multiplexes which serve cities, towns, or counties.
In 2014 DCMS funded a programme which has trialled the use of 10 “small-scale”, DAB multiplexes, running on open-source software to serve a much more localised area. These multiplexes are based in in Aldershot, Birmingham, Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Cambridge, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Norwich, and Portsmouth. The scheme, the government claimed, has allowed community radio stations and small local commercial broadcasters to make a switch from analogue to digital frequencies.
But the consultation website launched this week explained that, while these they have been a technical success, “the licensing arrangements for the 10 trials are not a suitable basis for the long-term licensing of small-scale DAB radio multiplexes”.
Related content
- #CultureisDigital – DCMS asks for your tweets as it looks to help art and tech unite
- DCMS gets new name in digital rebrand
- DCMS head head Sue Owen on name changes, superfast broadband, and themed cards
To broadcast via DAB radio stations currently require a Digital Sound Programme (DSP) licence. The government is planning to create a new, community radio-focused option – dubbed the C-DSP – that would offer a significantly more streamlined application and approval process. Stations holding a C-DSP licence would, the government claimed, be eligible for funding from the Community Radio Fund and would also have access to small-scale multiplex capacity that has been ring-fenced for use by community stations.
Digital minister Matt Hancock said: “Local radio is much loved and vitally important as a source of objective and in-touch local news. As more power is devolved locally, and as local newspapers struggle, local radio’s role in the community is becoming more and more critical. So, we are working hard with stations and listeners to make sure the rules are up to date, and give local radio the chance to use new digital technology to reach audiences, new and longstanding, old and young. Today’s publication marks another step forward in that work. I’m very grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to make this progress.”
The government is seeking input and feedback on its licensing proposals. Contributions are sought “from individuals and organisations involved in the commercial and community radio sectors, including members of the public who hold an interest in commercial and/or community radio”. The consultation runs until 28 February.
Ash Elford runs the small-scale multiplex in Portsmouth and serves as digital development manager at local community station Angel Radio.
He said: “After over two years of successfully broadcasting local DAB services to Portsmouth, it is good to see a process for the full-time licensing of many more local multiplexes for cities and towns starting to take shape. We hope that the successes we have achieved so far with technical innovations and broadcasting smaller commercial, niche, and community services can be replicated across the UK as soon as possible.”
The creation of a new licensing system has been made possible by the passing into law of a private members’ bill – the Broadcasting (Radio Multiplex Services) Act 2017 – introduced by Torbay MP Kevin Foster last year. The act provides for greater flexibility in the regulation of local radio broadcasters.
reputable mexican pharmacies online: Mexican Easy Pharm – Mexican Easy Pharm
п»їbest mexican online pharmacies https://mexicaneasypharm.shop/# п»їbest mexican online pharmacies
mexican drugstore online
https://semapharm24.shop/# semaglutide tablets price
prednisone cream
http://dappharm.com/# Priligy tablets
prednisone 20 mg generic
https://semapharm24.shop/# SemaPharm24
prednisone pill 10 mg
http://cytpharm.com/# buy cytotec online
buy prednisone online canada
http://dappharm.com/# buy priligy
buy prednisone from india
https://farmabrufen.com/# Brufen senza ricetta
comprare farmaci online all’estero
Farmacie online sicure: Farmacie online sicure – farmacia online
Los torneos de poker generan gran interГ©s.: win chile – winchile
Casinos often host special holiday promotions. http://taya365.art/# A variety of gaming options cater to everyone.
Many casinos provide shuttle services for guests.: taya777.icu – taya777
Players must be at least 21 years old. http://winchile.pro/# Hay casinos en Santiago y ViГ±a del Mar.
La pasiГіn por el juego une a personas.: winchile – winchile
Gambling can be a social activity here. https://taya365.art/# Casino visits are a popular tourist attraction.
Los casinos organizan noches de trivia divertidas.: jugabet chile – jugabet
Resorts provide both gaming and relaxation options. https://phmacao.life/# Loyalty programs reward regular customers generously.
Most casinos offer convenient transportation options.: phmacao.life – phmacao club
Poker rooms host exciting tournaments regularly. https://taya777.icu/# The Philippines has a vibrant nightlife scene.
Manila is home to many large casinos.: phtaya.tech – phtaya login
Many casinos provide shuttle services for guests. https://phtaya.tech/# The casino atmosphere is thrilling and energetic.
Los casinos reciben turistas de todo el mundo.: winchile – winchile casino
Live music events often accompany gaming nights. https://taya365.art/# The ambiance is designed to excite players.
Slot machines feature various exciting themes.: taya365.art – taya365
Slot tournaments create friendly competitions among players. http://phmacao.life/# A variety of gaming options cater to everyone.
Manila is home to many large casinos.: phmacao com – phmacao com
Casino promotions draw in new players frequently. http://winchile.pro/# Los casinos reciben turistas de todo el mundo.
The casino experience is memorable and unique.: phtaya login – phtaya casino
winchile casino [url=https://winchile.pro/#]win chile[/url] La ruleta es un juego emocionante aquГ.
Las promociones de fin de semana son populares.: jugabet – jugabet.xyz
Los juegos de mesa son clГЎsicos eternos.: jugabet.xyz – jugabet.xyz
Players enjoy a variety of table games.: taya777 – taya777 login
https://winchile.pro/# Las aplicaciones mГіviles permiten jugar en cualquier lugar.
The poker community is very active here.
Visitors come from around the world to play.: taya365 – taya365 login
The Philippines offers a rich gaming culture.: phmacao com login – phmacao club
http://phtaya.tech/# The thrill of winning keeps players engaged.
Poker rooms host exciting tournaments regularly.
The gaming floors are always bustling with excitement. http://jugabet.xyz/# La pasiГіn por el juego une a personas.
Los casinos celebran festivales de juego anualmente.: jugabet.xyz – jugabet chile
The casino scene is constantly evolving.: phmacao – phmacao.life
Many casinos offer luxurious amenities and services. https://phtaya.tech/# Manila is home to many large casinos.
The Philippines has several world-class integrated resorts.: taya777 login – taya777 login
https://taya365.art/# Most casinos offer convenient transportation options.
Players must be at least 21 years old.
taya777 login [url=http://taya777.icu/#]taya777 login[/url] Responsible gaming initiatives are promoted actively.
Responsible gaming initiatives are promoted actively.: phtaya casino – phtaya login
Some casinos have luxurious spa facilities.: taya777.icu – taya777 app
easy canadian pharm: easy canadian pharm – canadian discount pharmacy
canadian pharmacy without prescription http://megaindiapharm.com/# Mega India Pharm
Mega India Pharm: online shopping pharmacy india – MegaIndiaPharm
canadian pharmacy world coupon http://easycanadianpharm.com/# legitimate canadian pharmacy online