National Digital Multiplex To Be Advertised By RA

The Radio Authority (RA) will begin the formal process of licensing commercial digital radio by advertising the only national multiplex on 24 March.

The existing national commercial stations (Classic FM, Virgin Radio and Talk Radio) are already guaranteed a place on the multiplex but there is also room for up to five new digital radio stations nation-wide.

On the 24 March the RA will invite applications for the national multiplex via an advertisement in the Financial Times. The closing date for applications is 23 June. Applicants are required to submit their proposals in documents comprising two sections: publicly available material to include proposed programme and data services, on which public representations may be invited; and detailed technical and financial information in a confidential section.

The RA says that applications will be considered on merit, not on a highest cash bid basis. All applicants will be required to pay a £50,000 application fee. The Authority expects to award the licence in the Autumn.

Sir Peter Gibbings, chairman of the RA said: “The licensing of digital radio is about to begin … This is an exciting and ground-breaking time for all those involved in digital radio and we look forward to receiving applications of a high calibre.”

Radio Authority Press Office: 0171 430 2724