New radio group aims to aid access to airwaves
A new local radio group has been created with the aim of offering a cost-effective DAB digital radio service to local operators.
West Sussex Digital comprises a group of individuals, businesses and charities that have come together to apply to operate the small-scale DAB digital radio multiplex for South West Sussex.
The licence for this multiplex is due to be advertised by broadcastregulatorofcomlater this year. Everyone involved in West Sussex Digital lives in the proposed transmission area.
The multiplex would allow, forthefirsttime,newterrestrial broadcasting opportunities for local, non-profit and small businesses to target the area.
West Sussex Digital is keen to hear from any individuals or groups interested in working with it – visit the website westsussex.digital
The application consists of Chichester Hospital Radio; Radio Worthing, a community interest company led by local broadcasters and other Worthing visionaries; Chichester resident Ash Elford, who runs leading DAB multiplex operator UK DAB Networks; Worthing resident Simon Hardwick, who has enjoyed a versatile 25-year radio career locallyandnationally,andwho presently manages local digital radio services Passion Radioand80srhythm;tangmere resident Steve Freegard, who has been a volunteer at Chichester
Hospital Radio for more than 20 years and started his commercial radio experience
with Spirit FM and helped to set-up V2 Radio, and can be heard on the station at weekends
and Chichester resident Duncan Barkes, a radio professional and former managing director and programme controller for The Local Radio Company which successfully operated Chichester-based Spirit FM and many other radiostations.he’salsopresented top-rated radio shows on BBC and commercial radio stations locally and nationally and is a former West Sussex-wide newspaper columnist.
A spokesperson for West Sussex Digital said: “We are confident we have the right team in place to win this licencewhichwillultimatelycreate more choice for local radio listeners.
“Our team is local, experienced and passionate with a clear aim to provide a cost-effective radio platform that will give charities, community interest companies and arts organisations access to the local DAB digital airwaves.”