New Barnsley group to apply for small-scale DAB radio multiplex

A new Community Interest Company has been set up to apply for a small-scale DAB multiplex licence in Barnsley.

The new organisation, Barnsley Community Media, has been formed through a collaboration between Barnsley Civic and local digital content group Essentials Media.

Stephen and Gareth from Essentials Media are leading the plan alongside Barnsley Civic, aiming to give the town a stronger voice on digital radio.

Stephen said: “Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster already have successful small-scale DAB multiplexes. Barnsley is the missing piece. We want to help local stations reach listeners here and connect South Yorkshire’s communities.”

As part of the initiative, a brand-new station focused solely on Barnsley is being developed. The group is now calling for expressions of interest from other broadcasters, community groups and potential consortium members who might want to be part of the launch.

Dan from Barnsley Civic said: “We jumped at the chance to support this. A local multiplex lets us reach people across the borough in a fresh, accessible way.”

Barnsley Community Media says it will prioritise local content, independent voices and digital creativity as it works towards a full application.

Anyone interested in joining the project or reserving space on the future multiplex can email BarnsleyDAB@barnsleycommunity.media.