Digital One advertises for new DAB stations

National commercial digital radio operator Digital One is formally inviting applications for new DAB radio stations and is cutting carriage costs to boost interest.

Following the closure of several digital stations last year – such as theJazz and The Arrow – and the end of Channel 4’s foray into DAB (see Channel 4 Abandons Digital Radio Venture), Planet Rock is the only national commercial DAB-only station.

The application process has launched with national press ads, and comes after the publication of the Digital Radio Working Group’s report into the future provision of digital radio in the UK last December (see Digital radio switchover by 2017).

Glyn Jones, Digital One acting chief executive, said: “We’re turning the ideas set out in the DRWG’s report into actions. That includes looking hard at how Digital One can offer lower carriage costs.

“In turn we’re expecting that stakeholders involved in the Working Group, and other companies with the ambition to launch new national radio stations in 2009, will step up and engage with a view to adding compelling new choice for consumers.”

He added: “We’re expecting that prices will initially be set below Digital One’s 2008 rate card. One reason for that is to help provide an incentive for people to invest in high quality services. But, over time, companies providing new services will be expected to contribute to the costs of a transmitter roll-out plan which was something also identified by the DRWG as important.”

Digital One is inviting established brands and new stations to apply. Capacity is available for mainstream stations as well as more specialist channels, such as those based on plays/books/comedy content, as well as other speech or music formats with consumer appeal.

Digital One: www.ukdigitalradio.com