First up, a number of new community radio stations have recently launched. Back in March, Blackburn’s 102.2 had launched by the 14th. Riviera Radio, based in Torbay has launched on 107.9 FM. Leicester station Radio 2 Funky has also launched, this time on 95.0 FM. Bristol based SWU FM are testing ahead of launch on…Read moreRead more
Local Radio
Analogue Radio Updates
Bliss Radio Closes
Bliss Radio, the DAB station for the North West has closed down. The station has announced this is down to continuing financial losses, and the station can no longer fund itself. Whilst I’m here, contrary to earlier reports Sunrise Radio UK is still broadcasting on the SDL National DAB multiplex.
XS Manchester to Stay
Ofcom has refused Communicorp’s application to change the format of XS Manchester and network Capital Xtra. This follows a public consultation, which received a large number of objections. Communicorp, now known as CC UK, have confirmed that XS Manchester will now continue as normal.
Sun FM Takes Over in Durham and Darlington
Helius Media have sold the licenses for Alpha Radio (Darlington) and Durham Radio to Nation Broadcasting, the owners of Sun FM. The frequencies are now relaying Sun FM, although it is not clear if this is with any opt outs for news and adverts. This is yet another change for listeners to 102.6, 102.8, 103.2…Read moreRead more
Radio Wirral Launches
Radio Wirral has now launched on DAB+. The station is using DAB+ at 48 kbps in stereo, and is on the North East Wales and West Cheshire multiplex. This gives a coverage area of North East Wales and West Cheshire, as previously mentioned, but also Liverpool and the surrounding area. As mentioned previously, Radio Wirral…Read moreRead more
Radio Wirral and Other DAB Changes
Radio Wirral have announced that they will commence broadcasting on DAB later this week. This is a replacement for the now defunct Wirral Radio community station. Multiplex details and broadcasting method are yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, on Central Scotland regional DAB, Sunoh Radio has now ceased broadcasting, but is continuing online. On the Plymouth…Read moreRead more
BBC Confirm MW Transmitter Closures
The BBC have now announced when the next round of MW (AM) local radio transmitters will close. BBC Three Counties Radio have already ceased broadcasts on the 630 and 1260 transmitters, and are now broadcasting a retune advice loop. Full closure will take place on the 6th April. For the rest of the stations, closure…Read moreRead more
Changes to Travel Bulletins on BBC Local Radio
Apologies due to the delay of this post, personal commitments have gotten in the way of updates. Changes are to be made to travel bulletins across the BBC’s network of local radio stations. At present, most of the bulletins are currently produced and voiced external by Inrix. The changes will mean that instead of Inrix…Read moreRead more
Upcoming Medium Wave Closures
Ofcom has given Talk Sport consent to turn off the following medium wave (MW/AM) transmitters: • Rosemarkie (Inverness) • Redruth (Cornwall) • Redmoss (Aberdeen) • Londonderry • Occombe (Devon) • Plummers Barracks (Plymouth) • Pearce’s Hill (Devon) Although the percentage reduction is marginal, 95% to 93%, over 1 million potential listeners will be affected. Listeners…Read moreRead more