Kiss to review DAB channels, Bauer says

Kiss owner Bauer Media has said it will review the current transmission of Kiss on local DAB multiplexes as it launches on Digital One.

The London-based station has been ‘testing’ on Digital One since December 27th and has just been confirmed as permanent.

The station stays the channels it uses on local multiplexes will be reviewed, with RadioToday sources suggesting these will be given up over time in favour of one national feed on D1.

The station has its sights set on Capital as being the biggest national youth brand, as Steve Parkinson, Managing Director at Bauer Media, commented: “By being able to transmit nationally across the country, we can realise our next ambition to be the first young targeted station available on DAB right across Britain.”

We asked if the station would remain at 80 kbps, to which a spokesperson replied: “At the moment Kiss is transmitting at 80k, though we will keep this under review alongside feedback from our audience.”

Karen Stacey, Broadcast Sales Director at Bauer Media commented: “We are thrilled that Kiss will now be reaching 85% of the population and are excited about the advertising opportunities that we will now be able to offer those wanting to reach the youth market. We fully intend to maximise on these in order to drive Kiss’ success as we look to cement Kiss’ place as the only youth radio station with true national digital coverage.”

Paul Eaton, Arqiva’s Director of Digital Radio said “As part of Arqiva, Digital One offers an effective way to connect brands and advertisers with millions of radio listeners. Bauer’s decision to launch KISS on our transmitters demonstrates it’s a key platform, alongside FM, to deliver growth in radio listening. 42% of people now have a DAB digital radio and the latest figures show it’s fitted as standard in a third of all new cars. As digital listening continues to increase, Digital One’s aim is to help Bauer deliver continued growth for KISS.”