All three FM community radio stations in West Wiltshire and East Somerset have joined together to bid for the West Wiltshire small-scale DAB multiplex licence.
WCR FM in Warminster, Fantasy Radio in Devizes and Frome FM have joined forces under a Community Interest Company chaired by former CEO of Digital One, Quentin Howard.
The group is inviting expressions of interest from broadcasters, online radio stations and others who are interested in applying for capacity on the multiplex.
Commenting on the application, Quentin Howard told RadioToday: “It’s no surprise that I am a great supporter of DAB and an advocate of low-cost SSDAB.
“This licence is the opportunity for all our community stations in West Wiltshire and East Somerset to go digital together, reaching more people on all types of radios. It’s also a unique opportunity for other community groups, arts organisations, schools and local businesses to have their community voices heard by anyone with a DAB radio at home or in the car.
“I am proud that this licence application is entirely by local people for local people.”
Fantasy Radio and WCR FM began broadcasting over 25 years ago with regular RSLs before securing full-time community radio licences, whilst Frome FM has a 14-year history.
The group is working with Muxnet to design and operate the transmission network.
Enquiries about capacity or other broadcasting opportunities on the West Wiltshire Small Scale DAB multiplex should email dab@quomedia.co.uk.
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk