Boost To DAB Radio As Cambridge Gets Local Multiplex
Cambridge has become the latest area of Britain to benefit from locally broadcast DAB digital radio content following the creation of a new multiplex by NOWdigital.
The multiplex will offer local residents a range of radio services, including existing stations such as Q103, Classic Gold, Vibe FM and BBC Radio Cambridgeshire in digital quality, as well as bringing three new services to the region.
The new services, The Storm, playing modern rock, Smash Hits, playing pop for young listeners and Zeta Digital, offering contemporary hip hop and R’n’B, will complement existing services and are intended to entice a range of new listeners to digital radio.
The multiplex will be operated by NOWdigital, a subsidiary of GWR Group, which also owns local radio station Q103.
Commenting on the new digital transmissions, Q103 programme controller Paul Green said: “DAB digital radio is the future of radio across Cambridge and the whole of the UK. We’re proud to be spearheading the launch of this exciting medium locally and bringing some great new innovations to our listeners.”
Q103 claims that the new transmissions will bring special one-off concerts, such as the region’s annual Summer XS event, to radio in their entirety for the first time, a certified boon for local music enthusiasts.
The take up of digital radio has seen slow progress in Britain, especially when compared to the acceptance of digital TV. Media super-regulator Ofcom recently warned that, despite wide-spread calls from some of the industry’s most influential commercial players, it would not be rushed into setting a definite switch-off date for the analogue radio signal (see Ofcom In No Rush To Set Switch-Off Date For Radio).
Around 55% of British households currently have digital television, whereas less than 1% of radio sets in the UK have digital receivers. However, radio is gradually taking off and DAB sets are currently selling at the rate of 7,500 a week.
A number of barriers currently hinder the UK’s switch to digital radio, including the lack of reliable coverage, the problem of converting small local stations to digital network and the relatively expensive price of DAB digital receivers.
GWR Group: 020 7284 3000 www.gwrgroup.com
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