Stockport digital radio edges closer as Ofcom sets out plans for small-scale DAB

Stockport could be set to get its own digital radio platform along with an initial 24 more local areas in the UK that will bring Stockport in line with major towns and cities who already operate within their dedicated transmission areas.

Ofcom is setting out how it will license ‘small-scale DAB’, an innovative technology which will provide a low-cost route for diverse, local commercial, community and specialist music stations to take to the digital airwaves and expand local digital radio coverage across the UK. The Digital Audio Broadcasting platform now accounts for 40% of the UK’s radio listening.

Ofcom will advertise 25 small-scale DAB licenses across the UK, including in Stockport where trials are already underway. Named after 10cc’s recording studio in Stockport, Strawberry Radio is one of a handful of stations trialling small-scale DAB, testing the technology and proving its ability to allow existing small stations and new services to broadcast cost-effectively on digital radio.

Playing hits from the last five decades as well new music and showcasing local talent, the owner of Strawberry Radio, Paul Taylor, believes that a permanent home on small-scale DAB will allow him to take the station further and continue to offer a local radio service for Stockport. Paul explained:

Small-scale DAB has enabled Strawberry Radio to take the business to the next level, from online to an ‘actual’ radio station. We can reach a wider audience to promote not only our on-air offering, but also our theatre shows and outdoor events schedule, including the Strawberry Music Festival.”

Pioneered in the UK by an Ofcom engineer, small-scale DAB uses freely available software and computer technology to transmit digital radio services and broadcast to a relatively small geographic area. It allows stations to use inexpensive equipment to get on air for far less money than was previously possible.

Kevin Bakhurst, Ofcom’s Content Group Director, added: 

Small-scale DAB is making it cheaper and easier for local stations to get on the digital airwaves, which will give more choice to listeners up and down the country.”