A BRAND new radio station has launched in Winchester as transmission provider, UK DAB Networks powers up its transmitter for the future of Winchester-based broadcast.
Winchester Today has launched its new DAB+ digital radio service on Saturday, October 8 with a new generation of local, charitable and small businesses have access to digital airwaves for the first time using cutting edge DAB+ technology.
READ MORE: The Hospital of St Cross to present future plans for popular farm and water meadows to dog walkers
Listeners in the Winchester area should 'autotune' or 'scan' their DAB+ digital radio. The new services will then be present as part of the alphabetical station list on most radios. The multiplex was formally launched this morning at a ceremony held at the offices of Winchester Today with the Mayor of Winchester Cllr Derek Green.
Ash Elford of UK DAB Networks said: "It has always been important to me that digital radio was accessible to all broadcasters of all types. By having something for everyone, digital radio will be able to thrive.
SEE ALSO: Romsey school boy takes to the stage in detective dance show in Southampton
"Winchester has a special place in my heart, having lived and worked in the city. This multiplex has a great line-up of services and very good coverage."
The new digital radio services available in Winchester available on DAB+ are:
60s
80s Rhythm
Awaaz Radio
B Radio
Christmas Radio
Great British Radio
Like One
Like Pop
Like Retro
Nation 70s
Nation 80s
Nation 90s
Nation Hits
News Radio UK
Outreach Dance
Tomorrowland One World Radio
Winchester Radio
Winchester Today
The new Winchester DAB+ multiplex means that for the first time, Winchester Today is broadcast on terrrestrial radio. Kevin Gover of Winchester Today said: “After two years of hard work I still can’t quite believe my eyes in seeing ‘Winchester Today’ scrolling across my DAB+ radio screen. Winchester is at the forefront of digital radio technology.”
The launch means that existing FM service is now able to migrate to DAB. Anna O'Brien of Winchester Radio said: “Winchester Radio has come a long way since we launched as a hospital radio station in 1984. We launched our community radio service in 2019, and more recently supported UK DAB Networks’ bid for the Winchester small-scale DAB multiplex.
"We are thrilled to now be able to extend our service in digital quality to support more people across a wider area.”
Southampton based Awaaz Radio is able to extend its ethic programming to Winchester. Ali Beg of Awaaz Radio said: "It is an exciting time for Winchester and the ethnic minorities of the city. Working together we can now ensure that the under-represented groups are recognised and more visible. It is an exciting time for us and we look forward to reaching out to the whole population of Winchester. Watch out for some really different and exciting programs."
The multiplex is also supported by commercial radio. Jason Bryant of Nation Broadcasting said: "We’re delighted to be extending the range of Nation Radio brands - particularly our fast growing decade services Nation 70s, 80s and 90s - to Winchester and the surrounding area. This will help us further promote the successful Nation Player app to audiences across the south"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel