Ofcom has awarded a new small-scale radio multiplex licence for Glossop and Buxton to High Peak One Digital Limited. This means that the range of digital radio stations available to the people of High Peak is due to increase significantly.
High Peak One Digital aims to launch a new local radio station on Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) called High Peak One by Autumn 2023.
Under the terms of the new license, there is a requirement for local people to be involved in the broadcasting of programmes, known as a ‘community digital sound programme’.
To meet this requirement, Artist-Controlled Radio will also be launched by High Peak One Digital—a new radio station on which local musicians will host their own shows, and play songs that have influenced their own music.
The new multiplex will also carry another 27 radio stations that will broadcast across High Peak.
This follows local MP Robert Largan’s work to highlight poor radio coverage across High Peak earlier this year.
In October 2021, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport’s Digital Radio & Audio Review highlighted a number of areas across the country with poor radio coverage—including the Hope Valley.
The DAB signal in the Hope Valley is limited for a number of reasons. These include the landscape—with natural features such as hills, valleys, and rivers disrupting the signal.
In addition, the Hope Valley is on the very edge of the South Yorkshire licensed commercial radio region. Broadcast signals are therefore often not strong enough to cover the whole Hope Valley.
Mr Largan called on the Government to act on the recommendations in the review published in October, and to improve DAB signal in rural regions like High Peak.
Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented:
“Radio remains an important part of public service broadcasting. Unfortunately, for many in High Peak, it remains out of reach.
“I am delighted by Ofcom’s announcement that High Peak is set to gain two new local radio stations.
“I am particularly pleased that local people will have the opportunity to get involved with the running of these new stations, and I look forward to tuning in soon!”
Craig Pattison, Director of High Peak One Digital, commented:
“These are exiting times for the High Peak, and I can't wait to bring a whole range of new radio stations to the area.
“Small Scale DAB gives the listener more choice than ever before and we will be announcing in due course more of the stations you will be able to hear across the High Peak.
“I would like to thank Robert Largen for his work in highlighting the need for better DAB coverage in the High Peak area. Plus, for his continued support in this project.”
