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Listeners in the south of Gloucestershire, a county in southwestern England, can now tune in to community station Thornbury Radio on DAB following the launch of a new DAB multiplex.
The local not-for-profit organization South Glos Digital Community Interest Company (SGDCIC), backed by Thornbury Radio, community donations and support from Thornbury Town Council and Thornbury Rotary, successfully launched its SSDAB service, covering much of South Gloucestershire.
SGDCIC was awarded the license by U.K. broadcast regulator Ofcom to operate DAB services across the Thornbury, Yate and Almondsbury areas. The multiplex covers a significant portion of South Gloucestershire, including the busy M4 and M5 corridors.
To mark the launch, Thornbury Radio’s mid-morning presenter Simon Criddle pledged to have his legs and chest waxed if the station met its £3,000 fundraising goal. Thanks to generous community support, Criddle underwent the waxing live on air on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, cheered on by fellow presenter Greg Robinson.
“Our DAB transmissions will provide listeners across South Gloucestershire with more radio choices, including a new way to listen to Thornbury Radio,” said David Wrench, director of SGDCIC. “With our network’s capacity, we’re offering smaller commercial stations, charities and community groups the opportunity to establish their own radio services in the area.”
Thornbury Radio, which already serves 45,000 people around Thornbury with a team of volunteers, is now available on DAB, alongside its FM, smart speaker and online platforms. This expanded reach enhances the station’s accessibility for listeners, local events, community groups and businesses.
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