GCap Widens Xfm Coverage With DAB Rebrand

Today sees GCap Media launch the first ‘national-local’ network in UK radio, with eleven of its The Storm DAB licences rebranded under the Xfm network.

The move will see a localised service offered to three DAB regions in the North East, South Coast and the Midlands, while a national service is broadcast to the remaining non-London multiplexes.

Localised content will include news, traffic, travel and events listings, generated by GCap Media’s regional hubs supplementing programme content from the main network.

The move builds upon the network’s existing FM broadcasts in London, Scotland and the soon to be launched FM service in Manchester (see Xfm Scoops Close Fought Manchester FM Licence).

GCap’s extension of the Xfm network was first announced by the broadcaster’s chief executive, Ralph Bernard, last November. The work will commence in phases, with local content gradually brought in to the regional stations to replace national output (see GCap sells nine stations and plans to launch XFM and Gold brands on Digital).

Commenting on the DAB rebrand, Xfm’s development director Graham Hodge said: “Between FM launches in Scotland and Manchester and this major expansion in its DAB coverage, 2006 will be the year that Xfm becomes a truly national radio station.”

GCap Media: 0207 663 7000 www.gcapmedia.com Xfm: 0871 222 1049 www.xfm.co.uk