More than 20 new digital radio stations have been approved by Ofcom in Rochdale.
The additional stations will be part of the multiplex in Oldham and Rochdale, which allows many stations to broadcast on the same frequency.
Credible Focus Ltd, a local company, beat out other bidders to win the license, which includes Rochdale, Oldham, and a portion of Tameside.
Credible Focus is a joint venture between Credible Media, the previous owners of Revolution 96.2, and Sunrise Radio, based in Bradford.
Small-scale digital radio (ssDAB) is being rolled out across the UK by Ofcom, which governs TV, radio, and mobile communications in the UK, to extend access to the airwaves and expand the selection of radio stations available to listeners.
The regulator granted a number of licenses in the north-west last month, including to Bolton, Stockport, and Wigan, as well as Oldham and Rochdale.
Local ownership of the multiplex, according to Matt Ramsbottom, managing director of Credible Media, was a significant plus.
“We’ve been involved in local radio for a number of years, and we’re committed to working constructively with other local broadcasters and industry professionals to expand listener choice throughout the borough.”
The application process with Ofcom was extremely difficult, but the regulator has now endorsed our local and professional competence.”
Smaller broadcasters will be able to access digital radio, according to Kevin Bailey, content director at Credible Focus: “Throughout the process, we’ve worked with smaller stations across Oldham and Rochdale to ensure that access to the digital platform is quick and reasonable.”
The multiplex is planned to expand the number of radio stations available to listeners in the towns, including both national and local stations. There will be a variety of formats available, ranging from mainstream to specialty stations, ensuring that everyone can find something they enjoy.”
‘Mom’s Spaghetti,’ which is already run by Credible Media in Manchester and online, is one of the services available on the multiplex. Sunrise Radio, as well as a selection of dance and guitar-based indie stations, will be available on the new platform.
To guarantee that smaller broadcasters may join the digital platform, Credible Focus is working closely with Roch Valley Radio, Crescent Radio in Rochdale, North Manchester FM, and Oldham Community Radio.
“This is excellent news for not only Roch Valley Radio but for all those other stations in the north west that can now reach more of their communities through technology in their cars and homes through DAB,” said David Murphy, Chairman of Roch Valley Radio.
We’d want to thank everyone who has helped Roch Valley Radio over the years, especially those who have worked with us and our partners and friends to make DAB a reality.”
To deliver the services, three transmitters will be turned on, with stations slated to go live in early 2023.
Nearly 60% of radio listening currently takes place on digital platforms, with plans to phase out AM and FM broadcasting within the next ten years.