The University of Bedfordshire’s award-winning community radio station, Radio LaB, has submitted an application for a new licence which would allow the station to expand its broadcasting reach to new listeners across the county and offer DAB broadcasting opportunities to other broadcasters.
If approved, the new Ofcom small-scale digital audio broadcasting (DAB) multiplex licence would see Radio LaB broadcasting across the airwaves on DAB – the most listened to form of radio in the UK – and reaching approximately 175,000 people aged 15 or over.
Speaking about this exciting project, Course Leader in Radio & Audio, Dr Lawrie Hallett – who wrote the application – said: “This is the start of a process which will benefit the whole of Luton. Obviously, we’re delighted about the idea of Radio LaB being on DAB, but I’m equally delighted about the wider expansion of radio broadcasting in our town. I hope this news will encourage individuals and groups to think about how they use radio as a platform to build communities and promote social gain.”
In the changing world of technology the sale of FM radios has decreased significantly, with many only having access to the platform via their car radios. DAB, meanwhile, now reaches more than 96% of households in the UK.
Radio LaB also has a long history of community engagement, including its annual Takeover Show with students from Luton Sixth Form College and, earlier this year, the station added to its impressive collection of awards with ‘Gold’ wins in two award categories at the Student Radio Association’s Amplify Awards.
The expansion plans also have the backing of other local community radio stations including Inspire FM which is also based in Luton and is looking forward to broadcasting on DAB.
Mohammed Tariq, Station Operations Manager at Inspire FM, added: “We very much hope the University of Bedfordshire is successful with this application. We see this as a great opportunity for collaboration and our audience will really benefit from the station’s future presence on DAB.”
