Two applications have been submitted for the new local digital radio multiplex licence in Gloucestershire. GCap Media's NOWdigital and MuxCo Gloucestershire Limited are both proposing a variety of new stations.
Both bids include the carriage of Severn Sound, Gold, Star 107.5, UCB, Traffic Radio and, by default, BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
MuxCo Gloucestershire Limited is equally owned by UKRD, Murfin Media, Town and Country Broadcasting and MuxCo. New services would include Classic Rock from Smithy Rock, a full service from Local Live, a youth service called Shuffle and Easy Radio. In addition, a variety rock and pop service would also be provided, details of which are confidential. MuxCo say they would be ready to commence its service with all ten proposed local digital sound programme services and BBC Radio Gloucestershire in October 2008, using four transmitters which it estimates will provide outdoor coverage of 79% of the adult (aged 15+) population of the licensed area.
NOWdigital, fully owned by GCap Media, proposes 11 stations including Chill, Xfm, Jack FM and Sunshine Radio. Two confidential services have been proposed by NOW, for easy listening and dance music. NOW proposes to commence its service with all eleven local on-air by December 2008, using a network of three transmitters which it estimates will provide 'outdoor' coverage of 75.4% of the adult (aged 15+) population of the licensed area.