Radio Woking works on small-scale DAB bid
Radio Woking is leading a joint effort to secure the small-scale DAB licence for Woking, Aldershot and Guildford, aiming to restore local digital radio services after the long-running trial in the area closed.
The application sets out plans for a multiplex designed for community and niche broadcasters, offering a route back onto DAB for stations previously carried during the trial and opening the door for new local services.
The group behind the bid says the priority is to bring the former trial transmitters back on air as soon as permitted by Ofcom so listeners can retune their DAB radios to Radio Woking and other services that have been absent since the shutdown. A further goal is to extend coverage to Guildford once the core network is operational.
Radio Woking is fronting the proposal and says the licence would allow it to continue its work within the community on a more secure digital platform. Station Manager Justin Coll said the station has spent years trying to get back on DAB, adding that the licence would help it reach more listeners and support local talent.
Work on the bid is being supported by Rebecca Steers, who has previously written and run other small-scale DAB multiplex applications. Rebecca first met Justin more than ten years ago while both were working in local radio and said she is pleased to help Radio Woking and its partner stations make a return to digital.
The planned multiplex would operate on an affordable access model, backed by a collaborative structure that aims to give small broadcasters a route onto DAB without the cost barriers often associated with larger networks.
Stations or groups interested in joining the proposed multiplex can contact Rebecca by email before 5pm on 9 December. Further details are available on the project website at wokingssdab.wordpress.com. The application will be submitted to Ofcom on 10 December, with an outcome expected early this year.
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