Digital One Increase National Network Footprint To 76% With Hereford Transmitter

The Digital One transmitter for the Hereford region has now been turned on, adding a potential 829,000 listeners to the digital radio audience from areas including Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, parts of Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire. The network’s footprint now covers over 76% of the UK population, or over 43 million potential listeners.

The new transmitter at Ridge Hill, near Ledbury, currently transmits the seven national digital-only stations and national stations Classic FM, Virgin Radio and talkSPORT. These will be joined at some point during the next year by stations provided by the winner of the Severn region multiplex licence.

The closing date for applications for this licence was last week, and the Radio Authority is now considering the proposals of the Digital Radio Group and MXR consortia. Both groups are proposing to launch nine stations in the area during the second half of 2001 (see Radio Authority Receives Two Applications For Severn Region Digital Licence).

With entry level digital radio equipment now retailing at under £300, Digital One’s chief executive, Quentin Howard has said that “The digital radio revolution is picking up momentum.” Quite how much momentum is unclear at present, however, as there are still no official listening figures.

Digital One: 020 7518 2620

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