Nine more radio stations are set to join the Manchester small-scale multiplex from the end of May, bringing the number of services available on the most populated DAB multiplex in the world to 28 .
The new additions are Vinejuice, Radio Diamond, Trafford Sound, Fever FM, Radio Sangam, Flame CCR, Mi-Soul, NonStop90s and Likwid.
Niocast Digital owns the licence to operate the DAB multiplex in Manchester.
Its Director of Operations, David Duffy, said: “We are delighted to be able to give more services the opportunity to bring their content to listeners via our DAB platform. We are now adding to the variety and choice of listening in Manchester with another nine fantastically diverse radio stations”.
Because of the costs involved, DAB digital radio has traditionally been the preserve of big broadcasters such as the BBC. Now, though, Ofcom is looking at how smaller, independently-owned DAB operations can increase listener choice across the country.
Niocast has been actively exploring ways of improving and enhancing the listener experience with a range of technical advances.
Director of Programming and Content, John Evington, added: “The game changer for us is the adoption of the more efficient DAB+ standard which means we can address both of the historical shortcomings of DAB by delivering high quality audio whilst, at the same time, bringing a greater number and range of services to air”.
