The Bournemouth and Boscombe scale DAB digital radio multiplex has launched following 18 months of planning.
The launch brings several community and local interest services onto DAB+ in the area for the first time, along with local and national commercial operators.
The multiplex is run and operated by BH Community DAB, which was awarded the licence by Ofcom in 2024.
The organisation is a collaboration between Bournemouth and Poole community stations Hope FM and Hot Radio, Dorset Coast Radio, and broadcast engineering company Wide FM.
Alongside Hope FM, Hot Radio, Hot Gold, Xtra Hot and Dorset Coast Radio, the multiplex carries east Dorset community service, Forest FM, plus commercial stations Bournemouth One and Boom Lite, bringing a mix of locally focused programming, music and speech services to digital radio listeners.
“This marks a new chapter for local radio across our region. We can now reach more listeners, sharing local stories, music, and vital information that matter to our communities,” Gary Plumber, Chair at Dorset Coast Radio said.
The original application to Ofcom received backing from local MPs including Jessica Toale in Bournemouth West, Tom Hayes in Bournemouth East, and Neil Duncan-Jordan in Poole, as well as support from radio stations across the south.
The advertisement attracted three bids in total when it was advertised in 2024 as part of Round 6.