RA Deadline For National Digital Applications Is Tomorrow

The Radio Authority’s deadline for application submissions for the only national digital radio multiplex licence is tomorrow. There are only believed to be two groups preparing to submit applications: Digital One and Digital Media Broadcasting.

Digital One is a consortium comprising GWR Group, Talk Radio and NTL. Chris Evans’ Ginger Media Group, owner of Virgin Radio, was also a member of Digital One but pulled out at the last minute on Friday (see Ginger Leaves Digital Consortium). At the same time cable and communications group, NTL, joined the consortium.

Digital Media Broadcasting (DMB) is a group headed by Peter Leutner, formerly of Planet 24. Leutner’s bid is based around offering as many new radio services as possible; he believes that the big players like Classic FM will simply continue to offer the same services as those already available on analogue.

Emap Radio and Capital Radio recently announced that they would not be bidding for the national digital licence but were to join forces and concentrate on acquiring local digital licences.

The Radio Authority cannot issue details of interested parties until after the proposals have been received. The applications which the Authority receives tomorrow morning will be available in the afternoon and details will be given, when available, on Newsline.

Radio Authority: 0171 430 2724