MuxCo Cumbria Ltd, a joint application between MuxCo Ltd and Nation Broadcasting Ltd, has submitted an application to Ofcom to establish and operate a local DAB digital radio multiplex for Morecambe Bay and South Cumbria.
MuxCo Cumbria’s proposal is to launch a multiplex within 12 months of a successful award, offering a minimum of 9 services, which includes a mix of established local and national services, as well as new local stations.
Capacity has been allocated to accommodate existing local analogue services from launch – BBC Radio Cumbria, Heart and Smooth. These services collectively account for 15.2% of total radio listening in Morecambe Bay.
Capacity has also been allocated to bring a range of digital services that will broaden choice and expand the number of providers in the market.
Individually and collectively, they cater for a wide range of tastes and interests. 6 new services are confirmed:
- 3 local services – Bay Radio, CandoFM and Bay Trust Radio
- 3 branded services – Fun Kids Junior, Chris Country Radio and Capital
MuxCo Cumbria will launch using four transmitters initially, which will cover 78% of the population.
Gregory Watson, MuxCo’s Managing Director, said
We are pleased to submit our application to bring local DAB to Morecambe Bay. Our proposals will bring a range of new services to the area – including a number of local community services as well as existing and new commercial services, helping broaden choice. We have capacity to enable further local services to broadcast and hope that if successful, we will launch with a wider range of stations.
Jason Bryant, Executive Chairman Nation Broadcasting, said
The Morecambe Bay multiplex will build on Muxco’s existing presence in the north west, extending choice for listeners across the patch. In particular, we look forward to introducing Bay Radio to Morecambe Bay, a brand new radio local service focussed on the needs of local people and led by Bill Johnston, one of the region’s most experienced radio professionals.