Global to launch new digital radio stations

Global has today announced it will take “significant capacity” on the new D1 digital radio ‘multiplex’, launching a host of new national digital stations over the next year.

The media and entertainment group will introduce ‘Smooth Extra’ on 27 December 2014, ‘Heart Extra’ in the new year and other stations yet to be announced.

In the past year, Global has launched Capital XTRA and LBC on D1, alongside its existing Classic FM service.

In July Ofcom advertised a licence to run a second national digital radio multiplex, which will expand the number of digital radio stations and provide more choice for listeners.

The new multiplex – the airwaves needed to broadcast digital radio stations – will allow around 10 new national Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio services to broadcast to UK listeners.

“Now is a really exciting time as DAB digital radio gathers pace,” said Ashley Tabor, executive president of Global.

“Global is committing significant investment in the D1 digital platform; the only national commercial DAB multiplex with near true national coverage. We’re launching new digital only stations, all of which are brand extensions, and thus extending some of our most loved brands nationally on digital radio.”

Tabor added that the group is also continuing to “invest heavily” in local digital broadcasting, adding coverage for the Heart, Capital and Smooth brands.