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The 6th round of small-scale DAB licences applications close next month
Posted: 18th June 2024
Applications for the sixth round of small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences for 31 areas across England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland will close on 18th July 2024.
Small-scale DAB is an established technology which provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves.
The small-scale DAB programme will enable the launch of around 150 or more multiplexes, covering all four UK nations. So far, 55 multiplexes have launched, broadcasting a range of radio services, from grass-roots community services to specialist music stations, and services aimed at minority groups and other under-served audiences.
The licence applications are open for the following areas:
- Ayr, Troon and Irvine
- Barrow-in-Furness
- Bournemouth and Boscombe
- Bridgend
- Carlisle and Penrith
- Catterick, Ripon and Thirsk
- Corby and Kettering
- Cumbernauld and Coatbridge
- East Devon
- Erewash
- Halifax
- Huddersfield
- Huntingdon
- Isle of Wight
- Lanarkshire
- Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey
- North Ayrshire
- Nuneaton and Hinckley
- Paisley and West Glasgow
- Poole, Purbeck and Wimborne
- Portadown and Craigavon
- South Craven, Wharfedale and Worth Valley
- Sunderland
- Walsall
- Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport
- Workington and Whitehaven
- Yeovil
Ofcom is also now inviting applications from potential programme service providers who would like to broadcast a Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) service on a small-scale radio multiplex service for which a licence is being advertised.
In addition, Ofcom is also inviting applications in this round for the following areas which are being re-advertised:
- Swansea
- Warminster, Devizes and Trowbridge
- Wigan
- Wetherby
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Thursday 18 July 2024 and more details can be found on Ofcom's website.
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