Ofcom awards 5 more small-scale DAB licences
April 10, 2026



Ofcom, the UK media regulator, has awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licences for five more areas across the UK.

Small-scale DAB technology provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves. So far over 100 multiplexes have launched, supporting a wide range of hyperlocal digital radio services broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK.


Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, multiplex licences have been awarded for the five areas as follows:

Ballymena: NIDAB Limited
Barnsley: Barnsley Community Media
Lincoln: Maxxwave Limited
South West Fife: C.I. Broadcasting Limited
South West Sussex: West Sussex Digital Radio Limited