More radio choice for Winchester arrives
08/10/22
18 brand new DAB+ digital radio services have launched today (Saturday 8th October 2022) in Winchester as transmission provider UK DAB Networks powers up its Winchester DAB+ transmitter. The transmissions, licenced by regulator Ofcom enable a new generation of local, charitable and small businesses to have access to digital airwaves for the first time using cutting edge DAB+ technology.
To enjoy the new services, listeners in the Winchester area should 'autotune' or 'scan' their DAB+ digital radio. The new services will then be present as part of the alphabetical station list on most radios. The multiplex was formally launched this morning at a ceremony held at the offices of Winchester Today with the Mayor of Winchester Cllr Derek Green.
Ash Elford of UK DAB Networks says:
"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
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.
The services are broadcast digitally from a transmitter at Crabwood Farm on a licence issued by the broadcast regulator Ofcom. DAB+ digital radios are on sale from electrical retailers and supermarkets from as little as £25.
UK DAB Networks has capacity available for other radio services wishing to broadcast to Winchester and any interested organisation should visit https://www.ukdab.net/our-multiplexes/winchester-dab for further information.
The new Winchester DAB+ multiplex means that for the first time, Winchester Today is broadcast on terrrestrial radio. 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!”
The launch means that existing FM service is now able to migrate to DAB. 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!"
The multiplex is also supported by commercial radio. 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’
Sothampton 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.
DAB+ is a simple, and legal, way for small scale broadcasters to reach Winchester. 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 would like to thank Commtronix, Factum Radioscape and Arqiva (in particular Cliff Proctor) for their help with the launch of the Winchester multiplex.