Winchester small-scale DAB multiplex launches with 18 radio stations

October 8, 2022 radionewsfeeds UK Comments Off on Winchester small-scale DAB multiplex launches with 18 radio stations
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The new DAB multiplex for Winchester has been officially switched on with a special launch ceremony in the centre of the city.

Representatives from some of the radio stations on board, along with the Mayor of Winchester Cllr Derek Green, gathered on Saturday morning at the offices of Winchester Today – one of the radio stations also launching on the DAB+ platform.

There are 18 radio stations being made available on digital radio for the first time in the area, including Christmas Radio, Winchester Radio, B Radio and News Radio UK. The services are broadcast digitally from a transmitter at Crabwood Farm.

It is owned and operated by UK DAB Networks run by Ash Elford, so told RadioToday: “It has always been important to me that digital radio was accessible to all broadcasters of all types.

“By having something for everyone, digital radio will be able to thrive. Winchester has a special place in my heart, having lived and worked in the city. This multiplex has a great line-up of services and very good coverage.”

The new digital radio services available in Winchester available on DAB+ are:

  • 60s (Swinging Radio 60s)
  • 80s Rhythm
  • Awaaz Radio
  • B Radio
  • Christmas Radio
  • Great British Radio
  • Like One
  • Like Pop
  • Like Retro
  • Nation 70s
  • Nation 80s
  • Nation 90s
  • Nation Hits
  • News Radio UK
  • Outreach Dance
  • Tomorrowland One World Radio
  • Winchester Radio
  • Winchester Today

Fiesta FM, Skyline Gold and Voice FM will be added in the coming weeks.

At Christmas Radio, Station Owner and Chief Elf, Gary Milchard said: “We at Christmas Radio believe that the country needs an uplift after the sad and challenging times we’ve all faced over this past year or so, which is why we are so pleased to be able to launch Christmas Radio today to bring the festive cheer to Winchester and across the UK.

“We will be playing all those festive favourites, 24 hours-a-day, to get everyone into the festive spirit, as we head towards the ‘Most Wonderful Time of the Year’.”

Kevin Gover of Winchester Today said: “After two years of hard work I still can’t quite believe my eyes in seeing ‘Winchester Today’ scrolling across my DAB+ radio screen! Winchester is at the forefront of digital radio technology!”

Anna O’Brien of Winchester Radio said: “Winchester Radio has come a long way since we launched as a hospital radio station in 1984. We launched our community radio service in 2019, and more recently supported UK DAB Networks’ bid for the Winchester small-scale DAB multiplex. We are thrilled to now be able to extend our service in digital quality to support more people across a wider area.”

Southampton-based Awaaz Radio is able to extend its ethic programming to Winchester. Ali Beg of Awaaz Radio said: “It is an exciting time for Winchester and the ethnic minorities of the city. Working together we can now ensure that the under-represented groups are recognised and more visible. It is an exciting time for us and we look forward to reaching out to the whole population of Winchester. Watch out for some really different and exciting programs!”

Jason Bryant of Nation Broadcasting said: ‘We’re delighted to be extending the range of Nation Radio brands – particularly our fast growing decade services Nation 70s, 80s and 90s – to Winchester and the surrounding area. This will help us further promote the successful Nation Player app to audiences across the south.”

Southampton comic Mike Osman of Great British Radio said: “Great British Radio will give the people of Winchester great laughs, great guests and great music and only good news, we hope they enjoy our output.”

Tony Smith of Swinging Radio 60s said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to broadcast Swinging Radio 60s to the residents of Winchester on digital radio. In the 1960s we would have had to buy a radio ship, a transmitter and a 300 feet tall aerial mast. With modern technology and the UK DAB Network digital multiplex Swinging Radio 60s dee jays can broadcast their 1960s music without getting seasick”

UK DAB Networks says it would like to thank Commtronix, Factum Radioscape and Arqiva (in particular Cliff Proctor) for their help with the launch of the Winchester multiplex.

This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk

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