Radio Consortium May Bid For National Digital Service

The Radio Authority is to advertise two national digital radio multiplexes next spring with bids beginning in June. It is believed that EMAP Radio, Capital Radio and DMG Radio may form a consortium to bid for one of these digital multiplexes. This would increase their chances of gaining a national broadcast.

The three national commercial stations, Virgin Radio, Classic FM and Talk Radio are all granted space on a national multiplex, as is the BBC. Everyone else must bid. Digital radio could see up to 500 stations launch across the nation; there are currently 230 radio stations in the UK.