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   station directory latest radio news air today feedback features  |  Wedneday, 29th January 2003 Swindon and West Wiltshire local DAB digital radio launch receives setback The transmitter is ready, the stations are geared up for DAB... but, there's just one problem. The lack of international clearance for NOWdigital's ninth and tenth local DAB digital multiplexes means that their launch has been delayed. Swindon, East Bath and West Wiltshire's very own local services were all due to have launched on 31st January, but until the go-ahead has been given by the radio regulator, the DAB digital airwaves above these areas will remain clear. |
 | Nicky McPherson, multiplex manager, said today: "I am really sorry to have to announce that the launch of the Swindon and West Wiltshire multiplexes is now definitely going to be delayed. "International Clearance has not yet been received and without this, the Radio Authority will not let us begin transmissions. It may seem strange that we need International Clearance for transmission in this non-coastal area, but this is a standard procedure to which we have to adhere. "Technically, everything is in place for the launch and, as soon as permissions are forthcoming, we can go ahead." It is not yet known how long launch clearance for the new multiplexes may take. The station line-up has been confirmed, ready for launch time: In Swindon and parts of Wiltshire, on Block 11C: BBC Radio Swindon : public service radio (BBC) GWR FM Wiltshire : contemporary music service (Wiltshire Sound Ltd/GWR West Ltd) Classic Gold Digital : oldies and easy listening (Classic Gold Digital Ltd.) Capital Disney : top 40 pop music for teens (Walt Disney/Capital Radio plc.) The Storm : modern rock and unsigned bands (GWR Group plc.) Passion : Adult contemporary music and environmental & health issues (Passion for the Planet Ltd.) Kiss : current and classic dance music (EG Digital Ltd.) Saga Radio : music for the over-45s (Saga Group) SBN : student radio (Campus Media plc.) Swindon FM (Swindon Radio) : local music and news service (Swindon 107) In West Wiltshire and Eastern parts of Bath, on Block 12D: BBC Radio Wiltshire : public service radio (BBC) GWR FM Bath : contemporary music service (Wiltshire Sound Ltd/GWR West Ltd) Classic Gold Digital : oldies and easy listening (Classic Gold Digital Ltd.) Capital Disney : top 40 pop music for teens (Walt Disney/Capital Radio plc.) The Storm : modern rock and unsigned bands (GWR Group plc.) Passion : Adult contemporary music and environmental & health issues (Passion for the Planet Ltd.) Kiss : current and classic dance music (EG Digital Ltd.) SBN : student radio (Campus Media plc.) Bath local station Bath FM is also due to appear on the Bath and West Wiltshire multiplex, subject to confirmation. Childrens' radio station Abracadabra formed part of NOWdigital's application to operate the multiplex, but it is not yet certain whether the station will launch part-time on the multiplex as originally planned. Saga Radio will not be appearing on the Bath and West Wiltshire multiplex. Related links: guide to DAB digital radio, on this website. |
