A new joint venture between Radio Ashford, Nation Broadcasting and Kent Capacity Co Ltd will be applying for the small-scale DAB licence covering the Ashford & Dungeness area of Kent.
The new company is Ashford DAB Limited and will be submitting an application to Ofcom before the closing date of the current round which is June 30th 2023.
Richard Collins, Director of Radio Ashford, said: “Radio Ashford is the community radio station for Ashford and the surrounding area, broadcasting on 107.1FM since 2011.
“Throughout those twelve successful years on-air the local media landscape has changed dramatically, however Radio Ashford has grown from strength to strength with audiences enjoying local Ashford people broadcasting daily from the town direct to local listeners. No one knows Ashford like we know Ashford! We love local and we’re proud of our trusted role, keeping communities updated with key information for the area, as well as supporting and promoting local good causes, voluntary organisations, civic and social services.
“We’re looking forward to bringing local voices and local topics to DAB digital radio sets across the region, as well as being able to better serve communities and businesses in neighbouring Tenterden and across the Romney Marsh.
“Bringing small-scale DAB to the Ashford area is an exciting opportunity that will allow us to further develop our service and, working with our partners, enhance the choice of radio services available in the area. Radio has been an important part of local life for many years, and our bid will help ensure that radio remains a strong local friend for many years to come.”
Jason Bryant, Director of Nation Broadcasting, said: “With existing business interests outside of radio in and around the Ashford area, we are looking forward to working with our application partners to deliver a wide range of popular audio services for this great part of Kent”.
Gregory Watson, Director of Kent Capacity Co, said: “We are excited to be working with Radio Ashford and Nation Broadcasting to bring small scale DAB to Ashford & Dungeness. Our experience through MuxCo of building and operating local multiplexes, working with local partners, has been unique in the UK – helping small operators to become part of the DAB family and enabling many small radio stations to broadcast”.
Anyone wanting more details can email richard@radioashford.com.
Posted on Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 at 12:12 pm by RadioToday UK