Aberdeen stations to apply for small-scale DAB radio multiplexes

A consortium made up of local broadcasters in and around Aberdeen is getting ready to apply for small-scale DAB multiplex licences in the city.

Aberdeen DAB is made up of two community radio licence holders; Station House Media Unit, which runs shmuFM, the only community radio service in Aberdeen City, and Mearns FM, which runs the community radio service based in Stonehaven, just south of the city.

Ofcom has split Aberdeen City into two areas – North Aberdeen and South Aberdeen – so Station House Media Unit is applying for the licence in North Aberdeen and Mearns FM in South Aberdeen.

Although separate services, the two licence holders will collaborate to offer services that will be able to operate on both DAB multiplexes.

Gavin Harper from Mearns FM told RadioToday: “I’m delighted to be part of the team that aims to bring this exciting new service to the people of North and South Aberdeen. Small Scale DAB will bring a diverse range of new and local radio stations, increasing listener choice and helping to build stronger communities.”

Murray Dawson, CEO at SHMU FM said: “Our ambition is to provide an affordable long-term digital future for many existing broadcasters, as well as offering a platform that will allow local community-based broadcasters to flourish.”

Any stations interested should contact the group as soon as possible via the website aberdeendab.org.uk or email hello@aberdeendab.org.uk.