Now Digital Applies For DAB Multiplex In Nottingham
Now Digital, a consortium of Capital Radio, Chrysalis, GWR and Sabras Sound, has announced its intention to apply for the DAB digital radio multiplex in Nottingham.
The Now Digital East Midlands Group proposes to use the multiplex, currently being advertised by the Radio Authority, to launch a total of nine radio stations, including five existing commercial and BBC analogues services and four new digital only services.
The existing services include GWR’s chart focussed 96 Trent FM; the joint-owned Classic Gold Gem; Capital’s 106 Century FM; Saga’s easy listening 106.6 FM and BBC Radio Nottingham.
The new digital only services are: Capital Disney, a pop music station for teens and pre-teens; The Storm, a modern rock station from GWR; Chrysalis’ dance-orientated Galaxy and A Plus, a service for young Asians from Sabras Sound.
Commenting on the initiative, Nick Davidson, brand managing director at 106 Century FM, said: “We are excited to be part of the digital radio revolution in Nottingham. DAB Digital Radio is an exciting new development for radio, offering enormous opportunities for advertisers and a wide range of new choice for listeners.”
It is anticipated that the Radio Authority will award the licence in Summer 2003. If successful, Now Digital East Midlands will launch in Nottingham in Spring 2004.
In other digital radio news, GWR has launched an improved scrolling text service for DAB digital radio listeners. The new service, which is available on all of the GWR’s digital radio stations tells listeners what songs are currently playing and what songs they will hear next. It also provides national and local news updates, as well as celebrity gossip and entertainment news.
The new text application has the ability to carry advertising messages and will be used by GWR to provide information on station promotions and competitions.
Earlier this month the Government announced plans to review the digital radio industry, in a move that could produce a switch off date for the analogue signal (see Government Announces Review Of Digital Radio).
GWR Group: 020 7284 3000 www.gwrgroup.com Now Digital: 0207 518 2606 www.now-digital.com
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