Two Cumbrian radio operators have raised concerns about the abandoned small scale DAB multiplex for Carlisle and Penrith.
Cumbria.Digital was awarded the Carlisle and Penrith multiplex licence by Ofcom in April 2025.
It has cited rising operating costs, changing listening habits and reduced demand from commercial broadcasters among its reasons for cancelling the project last week.
CRFM Managing Director Darrell Thomas has questioned how Cumbria.Digital assessed demand from potential broadcasters.
The Carlisle community station says it contacted the multiplex operator four times to discuss securing carriage. According to CRFM, it received one reply promising further contact, but no subsequent discussion took place.
Darrell said: “Given our clear commitment and eagerness to join the platform, we seriously question how proactively Cumbria.Digital engaged with interested stations.”
Separately, Cumberland Radio Managing Director Rafe Parker said the decision was particularly disappointing because his station had delayed its launch while waiting for the platform.
He accepted that rising costs had influenced Cumbria.Digital’s decision but argued that rural multiplex operators face economic disadvantages when compared with services covering densely populated areas.
Rafe said regional multiplex operators and small scale DAB services in larger conurbations should pay additional charges to subsidise rural operators, helping maintain access and competition across the country.
He said: “We can only hope the failure of many rural small scale DAB mux’s to become a reality will force a reshaping in the future.”
Rafe added that clearer communication was needed in North Cumbria and said he would attempt to bring interested parties together during the coming weeks.
