Ofcom has confirmed how commercial radio stations can renew their analogue licences when no suitable DAB multiplex is available.
The clarification follows the Media Act passed last year, which introduced an additional route for renewal when a station cannot reasonably join a matching digital multiplex.
Until now, analogue renewal has only been permitted when a station also broadcasts on a relevant DAB multiplex. The new rules set out how Ofcom will judge whether a multiplex is suitable and when stations may use the new option.
Ofcom says most renewals will continue through the existing method, with stations remaining on DAB.
The new route will apply only in limited situations where a relevant multiplex does not exist or when its coverage does not align closely enough with the station’s FM or AM area.
The regulator explains that there are two qualifying circumstances. A station may qualify if there is no relevant multiplex at all, including cases where the appropriate multiplex has no capacity and no alternative is available. Renewal may also be possible where a multiplex exists but its coverage area is substantially larger or smaller than the analogue service area.
According to Ofcom, the key test is whether the mismatch in coverage is significant. The difference must be substantial before a station can rely on the new approach. The organisation’s recent consultation, held between December last year and February this year, sought views on how to judge suitability and has shaped the guidance now being published.
A spokesperson said the aim is to keep most stations on digital platforms while recognising a small number may need a different route. “We expect the vast majority of licence renewals will continue to be on the basis of DAB provision,” they said, adding that only a limited number of cases should fall under the new rules.