Bucks DAB to apply for North Buckinghamshire multiplex licence

A group of local broadcasters and industry experts from North Buckinghamshire is planning to apply for the local small-scale DAB multiplex.

Bucks DAB is a not-for-profit company, founded by the team behind Bucks Radio, which launched as an online station last February.

The company’s bid has the backing of the local MPs for Aylesbury and Buckingham, as well as the town councils.

Richard Carr, Managing Director of Bucks Radio, said: “We always hoped affordable DAB would be a possibility when we launched, and after such a successful first 18 months, it’s the natural progression as we bring local radio back to Bucks.

“We feel very strongly that now, more than ever, DAB should be available for all the services currently serving the community in North Buckinghamshire, and are delighted that Stoke Mandeville Hospital Radio, and several local community stations, are working with us for our application.”

Nathan Cooper has broadcast to the area for over 25 years. He feels Bucks DAB is ideally placed to ensure local listeners and stations are offered the ability to benefit from this valuable resource. He said: “Using the latest technology, we will ensure that our carriage costs offer small, local broadcasters an affordable path to broadcast on digital radio.

“We’re keen to hear from other stations who would like to also be part of our multiplex line-up for listeners in North Buckinghamshire.”

The defined North Buckinghamshire polygon covers an area that includes Aylesbury, Buckingham, Thame, Tring and Leighton Buzzard.

Ofcom estimate the area’s population as 203,736.

Any programmers interested in broadcasting on the Bucks DAB multiplex should make contact using the form at bucksdab.co.uk or by emailing info@bucksdab.co.uk.