Now Digital requests to extend multiplex

Ofcom has published a consultation on Now Digital’s request to extend the coverage area of one of its local radio multiplex licence.

Now Digital wants to extend the Exeter & Torbay multiplex further to include North Devon.

Now Digital Limited proposes to provide coverage of North Devon using three transmitters, at each of Huntshaw Cross, Barnstaple and Okehampton. It says that it will launch the first of these within six months of Ofcom granting consent to its request, and the latter two six months after “a positive decision in 2013 by Government regarding digital switchover”.

The Digital Economy Act 2010 has made it possible for such extensions to take place, subject to Ofcom approval.

The multiplex in question currently carries the output of Heart, Gold, Xfm, Kiss, Capital FM, Traffic Radio, Absolute Classic Rock, NME Radio, BBC Radio Devon and a Pop Up Radio service.

Ofcom wants to hear from anyone who might have any objections on the proposal by June 29th.