UK

DAB multiplexes in Leeds, Bradford, East Lancashire, Milton Keynes and Halifax have formed a partnership to deliver a streamlined service.

A new website has launched offering a single access point for all updates, applications and technical information relating to these areas, replacing the need for separate communications with each operator.
The collaboration aims to simplify the process for stations applying for carriage and keeping up to date with multiplex developments.
Raj Parmar, a partner in the initiative, said: “It makes sense for our users to have access to a streamlined site offering information and updates. This collaboration is a step toward improving transparency and accessibility in local digital broadcasting.”
The partnership is designed to reduce costs for broadcasters and encourage wider coverage. To express an interest or apply, email info@dabbroadcast.com.

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At 8.15am on Monday 10th November community radio stations across the UK will come together for the launch of Our Earth Week.

The seven-day event highlights local climate action, environmental awareness and celebrates the nature around us.
Now in its third year and produced by the Community Radio Environment Network, Our Earth Week is a campaign designed to engage listeners through discussion, useful information, quizzes, creative soundscapes and music. Last year, the initiative was recognised with a nomination for an Arias award.
This year’s theme is Water, with stations exploring rivers, lakes, coastlines and canals close to home. Features will include water-saving tips, flood prevention, pollution awareness, and advice on creating wildlife-friendly spaces.
Stations taking part are supported with a handbook, ready-made audio, and social media content, while many also contribute their own material.
Our Earth Week is open to any community radio station wanting to take part and you can find out more the Community Radio Environment Website or email crenuk1@gmail.com.

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Ofcom has found 21 radio stations in breach of their licences after failing to submit required financial and turnover reports for 2024.

The breaches relate to two separate regulatory requirements: community radio finance reports and annual Relevant Turnover submissions. Both are mandatory and help Ofcom monitor the sector and set appropriate fees for licensed services.
Four community stations failed to provide any finance report at all by the deadline. These were Juice FM Belfast, Juice Radio in Preston, Leicester Community Radio, and Bristol-based SWUFM. Ten others submitted their reports late, including 1BTN, Fiesta FM, East Coast FM, Hayes FM, and Pride Radio.
In a separate breach ruling, seven radio services failed to submit their 2024 Relevant Turnover returns. These included Fiesta FM and Juice Radio Ltd, both of which also appeared on the list of finance report breaches. Other stations listed were Mixer Radio, NonStop90s Radio, Radio Khushkhabri, Feel Good Throwbacks Radio, and Ramadan Radio Live.
Ofcom said the failure to provide these reports undermines its ability to carry out its statutory duties and properly regulate the sector. Both types of report are required under broadcasting legislation and licence conditions, with deadlines issued annually.
Radio Khushkhabri Ltd and Juice Radio Ltd had contacted Ofcom about difficulties with their submissions, but did not complete them in time. In both cases, Ofcom noted the communication but confirmed the information remained outstanding.
The rulings were published in Issue 527 of Ofcom’s Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin, released today. Read the full bulletin here.

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Radio Lisburn Live has been found in breach of its community radio licence for failing to provide Ofcom with recordings of its broadcast output.
The issue came to light after a complaint prompted Ofcom to investigate whether the station was meeting its Key Commitments.
The Belfast and Lisburn-based station, which holds a Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) licence, was unable to supply audio from the period 12 to 18 May 2025. When the files were reviewed, they were found to contain no sound.
Radio Lisburn Live CIC, the licence holder, later confirmed that the station’s logging system had stopped recording due to an inadvertent change in audio input settings. The fault went undetected until Ofcom’s request, meaning the regulator was unable to determine whether the service was fulfilling its programming obligations, such as facilitating discussion and expression of opinion.
While Ofcom accepted that the station continues to meet its social gain responsibilities off-air, it said the inability to provide recordings raised serious concerns.
In response, the station said it had taken “immediate action” to correct the issue and prevent a recurrence. Measures include upgrading its software, installing a backup recording device at an off-site location, and implementing regular testing.
Despite the corrective steps, Ofcom found Radio Lisburn Live CIC in breach of Condition 9 of its licence, which requires the retention and provision of recordings upon request. The regulator said it may monitor the station in the future to ensure compliance with this requirement and its Key Commitments.
Radio Lisburn Live launched on DAB in December last year and serves audiences in Lisburn and Castlereagh with locally produced content aimed at working-class communities.

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Gerry Kersey, who spent over 50 years in broadcasting, has passed away aged 86.

Originally starting at BBC Radio Sheffield in 1968, he moved to Radio Hallam in the 80s, before returning to BBC Sheffield in the late 90s.
Gerry had been ill for some time and died last Friday with his wife by his side.
Katrina Bunker, Head of BBC Yorkshire, said: “Gerry was a true legend of local broadcasting, starting his career in 1968 as one of the first voices on BBC Radio Sheffield.”
“In later years he was known for request-based and nostalgia shows and he got loads of letters, emails and calls right up to his last show in 2020.
“Wherever you went around the area you would always meet someone who loved Gerry’s show.
“Off-mic, Gerry was just as much of a gentleman as he was on it, always encouraging, always warm and proud to still be on the radio after 50 years.
“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

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Five new areas have been granted a small-scale DAB digital radio multiplex licence today in Ofcom’s round seven.
The areas are The Ards Peninsula in Northern Ireland, Bridgewater in Somerset, Exmouth & Dawlish in Devon, Loughborough & Coalville in Leicestershire, and Ringwood, Verwood and Fordingbridge in east Dorset.
Ards DAB Ltd plans to launch services covering Newtownards, Bangor, and parts of Belfast. Ofcom noted those involved in the applicant had extensive experience of the radio sector in Northern Ireland and had successfully established the Belfast & Lisburn small-scale multiplex.
Sedgemoor FM CIC said they expect good coverage of key areas.
ExmouthDAB Ltd, which includes local group DevonAir Radio, will cover an area of around 60,000 adults.
Maxxwave Limited has been awarded the small-scale DAB radio licence for Loughborough and Coalville. One transmission site near Copt Oak will be used.
And the Ringwood, Verwood and Fordingbridge licence went to Forest DAB Ltd, who will operate the service using a transmitter based in Verwood to reach around 47% of the advertised area.
18 more licence awards are still to come from round seven.

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