The Sound Digital national DAB multiplex has completed its expansion programme, adding a further 19 transmitters, and around 4 million potential new listeners. The multiplex now has additional coverage in East Anglia, the South West, Kent, South Wales and North East Scotland, with a total coverage area of 83% of the UK. The multiplex is…Read moreRead more
National Radio
Sound Digital Completes Expansion
Bauer Ditch Big Top 40
Bauer have opted to cease broadcasting the syndicated Big Top 40 Chart show when the contract expires in December. A ‘This Weeks Biggest Hits’ show will be networked from Hits Radio instead. This will likely fuel rumours that Bauer will ditch local station names. Global Radio, who produce the Big Top 40, have now chosen…Read moreRead more
Heart Extra Plays Song with Offensive Language
An explicit version of Kendrick Lamar’s song all the stars, found its way into Heart Extra’s automated playlist. The song was played 7 times during automated hours between 9am and 4pm. The offending track has since been removed from the system, but only after a complaint from a listener. Ofcom have also found Heart Extra…Read moreRead more
Virgin Radio Schedule Changes
Chris Evans is leaving BBC Radio later this year to take over hosting Virgin Radio’s breakfast show. The current hosts, Sam and Amy, are staying at the station but are moving to present a new overnight show. This means, that for the first time, Virgin Radio (in its current form) will broadcast for 24 hours…Read moreRead more
15/06/2018: News Round Up
Here is the news from the past week: 45 Radio has joined the Norwich trial small scale DAB multiplex,using DAB+ at 48 kbps. This service is aimed at listeners aged 45 and over. Jazz FM has switched to DAB+ at 40 kbps, and is no longer available on all radios. Flame Christian has ceased broadcasting…Read moreRead more
Bauer Station Changes
In connection with the upcoming launch of Hits Radio, Bauer have made some changes to their DAB service line up. Absolute Radio 70s and Kerrang ceased broadcasting in London. Their two mono slots have been combined to provide a stereo slot for Hits Radio. Absolute Radio 70s and Kerrang are now available on the Tayside…Read moreRead more
Latest Audience Figures Report Growth In Digital Listening
The RAJAR Q1 2018 audience figures has reported a growth in digital listeners, with 50% of listening done via digital platforms (including DAB, digital TV, and online). A number of digital only stations have increased in popularity: Heart 80s now reaches 1.4 million listeners, but Absolute Radio 80s (with a smaller coverage area) remains the…Read moreRead more
Sound Digital Are to Expand Coverage
Sound Digital, the UK’s second commercial DAB multiplex, is to extend its coverage. Listeners in Wales, the South West, East Anglia, and North East Scotland will benefit from the extended coverage area, and there will also be a small coverage boost in and around Eastbourne on the south coast of England. Sound Digital is a…Read moreRead more
Bauer Ditches Local Name
Bauer Media are re-branding Key 103 in Manchester as Hits Radio, on the 4th June. This service will also replace The Hits, and existing national service. A local service, presumably with existing local breakfast and drive time shows will be available in Manchester, with a national version carried elsewhere. The Hits for a time, aligned…Read moreRead more
Absolute Radio to Significantly Reduce AM Service
Ofcom has given approval for the Bauer owned station Absolute Radio to reduced it’s medium wave (AM) coverage area from 90% of the UK to 85%. A number of transmitters will be turned off completely, whilst others will have the power output reduced. This means that a number of listeners in Aberdeen, Dundee, Hull, Devon,…Read moreRead more