Local group to apply for Torbay’s smale-scale DAB multiplex

A consortium of Devon media groups, led by South Devon Radio, is to apply for the Torbay small-scale DAB multiplex.

In addition to the online station, the group includes Clear Sky Publishing, the company behind the Torbay Weekly, North Devon Gazette, Mid Devon Weekly and The Moorlander, and Radio Exe, which is also behind a similar network in Exeter, due to go live in the coming months.

Key areas covered by the Torbay licence, to around 250,000 people, include Bovey Tracey, Buckfastleigh, Brixham, Dartmouth, Dawlish, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Kingsteignton, Paignton, Teignmouth and Torquay.

If TorDab’s application is successful, South Devon Radio will be available on DAB for the first time, Radio Exe will launch a dedicated service for South Devon and six channels will be available to digital community stations who will pay reduced transmission fees.

Radio Exe’s Paul Nero said: “In future, businesses, sports clubs or individuals who wish to set up a radio station in South Devon will be able to do so in digital quality, and reach a potential audience of a quarter of a million people. We’ll have a range of stations focused specifically on communities in the area, so if you’re interested in joining us, please get in touch.”