A local company hopes to bring new, crystal-clear radio signals on DAB across Oldham.
Credible Focus Ltd are bidding to provide the town with new technology and a new transmitter to ensure small radio stations can continue to broadcast in the digital age.
DAB is a new way of receiving radio signals, which removes the need for crackly FM and AM radio, bringing high quality audio into the home and car. Many services can be carried on a very narrow signal (a multiplex), meaning an increase in choice for the listener.
The Oldham/Rochdale area is one of the areas to be advertised by Ofcom today, who are inviting applicants to operate the new multiplex.
The company is driven by the team at Credible Media – former owners of Revolution 96.2, and owners of the Oldham Evening Chronicle – along with Infocus Digital Media.
Directors and investors in the company include local community stations Oldham Community Radio, Crescent Radio, Rochdale; and North Manchester FM.
Kevin Bailey, Content Director at Credible Media, said local collaboration was an important consideration for the consortium: “We’re delighted to be applying to run a multiplex in our local area. We know that Ofcom value access to digital broadcasting and a variety of services on DAB.
He added: “We genuinely believe that an alliance of local broadcasters and businesses is best place to deliver those goals.”
Phil Edmonds, Technical Director at Oldham Community Radio said: “Small scale DAB has been on our radar for a while and I believe local ownership of any multiplex is a good thing.
“A consortium of the stations holding a multiplex licence is a model that I’m in favour of and helps secure a digital future for community stations like ours”
Usha Parmar of Sunrise Radio, who was heavily involved in a successful bid for Leeds said: “Oldham and Rochdale are two of the most vibrant Manchester boroughs. There’s an exciting and growing media industry, and I’m looking forward to being part of an engaging and professional application to operate a small-scale DAB multiplex.”
Radio operators and groups who would like to express an interest in carriage on the multiplex can register at oldhamrochdaledab.com