Stockport is one of 22 new areas in the Northwest to be licensed for small-scale radio multiplex services.
Previously there was only a single commercial and community radio license for broadcast throughout the area on VHF.
The new SSDAB (Small Scale DAB) platform opens up not only established radio stations, but also online radio stations who want to increase their reach.
“We’ve been broadcasting on FM for 21 years this month and things have really changed since we started,” said Colin Owen, board member of Wythenshawe FM.
“Digital radio is clearly the future, especially since most cars have switched over on the roads. We are very excited to be working with our community radio colleagues on this project. “
Wythenshawe FM is part of the Digital Radio Stockport consortium, which is hoping to operate the new platform. Also involved are Stockport’s Strawberry Radio, All FM, Pie Radio and Canalside Radio.
The other regions are:
- Blackburn, Burnley & Darwen
- Blackpool
- Bolton & Bury
- Cheshire (east)
- Cheshire (center)
- Chester & Ellesmere Harbor
- Clitheroe
- Congleton & Leeks
- Crewe, Nantwich & Whitchurch
- Glossop & Buxton
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Oldham & Rochdale
- Preston
- Rhyl, Ruthin & Schimmel
- South port
- Warehouse
- Stoke & Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Warrington, Widnes & Runcorn
- Wigan
- Weird
- Wrexham
This is the second round of Ofcom licensing, with the third round including:
- Darlington & Bishop Auckland
- Eastern stocking
- Middlesbrough and Redcar
- West hull
- Wetherby & Harrogate
- York
- Yorkshire coast
Each multiplex can provide around 10 radio stations.
