Wide Digital joins with local stations for Dorset DAB bid

Wide Digital has announced its plan to apply for the Weymouth and Dorchester small scale DAB licence in west/south Dorset.

The Poole-based company has submitted its application with the support of KeeP 106, AIR 107.2, Forest FM, Hope FM, Hot Radio and Bournemouth One.

If approved, the multiplex would provide stronger digital coverage for existing local stations and create space for new services to launch in the area.

Wayne Simpson, Director of Wide Digital, said the collaboration aims to give more listeners access to local radio on digital platforms. He said the platform will allow stations to be enjoyed in digital stereo and increase choice for listeners by bringing new services to the area for the first time.

AIR 107.2 Director Carl Greenham said the station’s recent return under new leadership has highlighted the level of community support behind it.

Carl said supporting the DAB application is vital for the station’s long term future and that digital coverage alongside FM will open up areas that have never had local radio choice.

KeeP 106 Director Steve Bulley confirmed the Dorchester station’s support for the proposal. Steve said they have confidence in the engineering to provide robust coverage and acknowledged the commercial challenges, but added that joining the multiplex is an opportunity to deliver content to more listeners.

The area is being re-advertised in Ofcom’s Round 8, which has a closing date for applications of 5pm on 10 December 2025.

Wide Digital runs the Poole small-scale DAB in the east of the county, and has a stake in the soon-to-launch Bournemouth multiplex.