Sting backs Amazing Radio DAB return

Sting has thrown his support behind a campaign to save digital radio station Amazing Radio, after it ended broadcasts on DAB last month.

The Newcastle-based station went online only in mid-May after a contractual dispute with Digital One multiplex owners Arqiva.

Since then a group of campaigners have been trying to bring it back onto the air so that it can continue to support new musicians trying to make a name for themselves. Some of those involved include members of the group behind a successful attempt to save BBC Radio 6 Music from a similar fate two years ago.

Former Police musician Sting said: “For some years now I have wondered what shape the music industry might take. How would young musicians and songwriters forge a career? – How might they build an audience? It’s great to see that Amazing, a company from my home town already with a global reach, is showing a way forward with a music-led solution which seems both fair to musicians and helps build that audience.”

Paul Campbell, Amazing Radio CEO, told us: “It’s awesome that Sting has joined the growing number of people supporting amazing’s mission to help new musicians find an audience. Amazing Radio resonates with those with an insight into the future of broadcasting and the music industries.”

Radio Today understands that the dispute between Amazing Radio and Digital One centered around payment terms for bandwidth on the national commercial radio multiplex. Arqiva has since advertised for interested parties to take over Amazing’s space.