Local digital radio multiplex operator Now Digital is gearing up to run the new local DAB digital radio multiplex licence for Derbyshire, having lodged the only application to offer DAB within the county.

Although similar in line-up to the stations on the nearby Now Digital Nottinghamshire multiplex, Derby services will include Christian station UCB UK, who are planning a quasi-national station network and local FM station Peak FM, but omit chillout music station Chill and children's brand Capital Disney.

NOW Digital (East Midlands) Limited multiplex line-up

• BBC Radio Derby : news, information and music (BBC Radio)

• Ram FM : pop and contemporary music (GCap Media plc)

• Classic Gold Gem : classic hits (Classic Gold Digital Ltd)

• Xfm : modern rock music (GCap Media plc)

• UCB UK : music and religious programmes (UCB Ltd)

• Smooth Radio : easy listening and classic hits (GMG Radio Holdings Ltd)

• Galaxy Digital : dance and r&b (Chrysalis Radio)

• Heart 106 : adult contemporary music (Chrysalis Radio)

• Peak FM : adult contemporary music (Grand Central Broadcasting Ltd)

Now Digital are planning to switch on the five transmitters for the multiplex by July 2008. Coverage is expected to include around 80 percent of the adult population.

Although the Now Digital (East Midlands) consortium includes a 20 percent shareholding by Sabras Sound, the station no longer appears on the Nottinghamshire multiplex or has reserved space on the Derbyshire mux.

The radio regulator Ofcom has still to award the licence, however, as Now Digital owns and operates several multiplexes around the UK, it is expected this will be a formality.