New DAB transmitters turned on in Wales

The much anticipated local DAB digital radio transmitters for the Wrexham, Chester and Liverpool areas have been switched on this morning in Wales.

The new multiplexes were officially launched at an event at Wrexham Football Ground with local politicians Ian Lucas MP and Lesley Griffiths AM helping to press the button.

The switch-on means that 2.2 million people in North East Wales, West Cheshire and Liverpool can now listen to BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, Real Radio Wales, Nation Radio, Juice FM and Dee on DAB on DAB digital radio for the first time.

The new transmitters are located at Wrexham Rhos, Moel-y-Parc and St John’s Beacon, home to Radio City which already broadcasts on the Liverpool MUX.

Nation Radio, Real Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio Wales and Juice FM are currently available on FM and are launching on DAB in the area for the first time, while Dee on DAB is a new service being launched by Chester-based Dee 106.3.

Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, who hosted the event, said: “This is great news for 2 million people across the Wrexham, Chester and Liverpool areas as until now they have not been able receive all their favourite local stations on DAB.”

Multiplex operator MuxCo is planning to launch in other areas in the coming months too. Gregory Watson, Managing Director of MuxCo said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring these services to digital radio in Wrexham, Chester and Liverpool. Research has shown how much people value their local radio stations, so we hope this will make a big difference to the digital radio listening experience in the area. We’ve also got exciting plans for further new radio stations over the coming months.”