Arqiva is investing £6 million (€7.5m) to launch four new local multiplexes which will bring digital radio to over 1.5 million listeners in the English Midlands. The company is working with the BBC, Global Radio and Oxford’s JACK fm to broadcast on the first multiplexes to launch since the Memorandum of Understanding on Digital Radio switchover was signed in June.

The £6 million investment by Arqiva will see a phased launch in different areas. Oxfordshire will be the first to launch in the week before Christmas, closely followed by Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire in the first quarter of 2013.  Derby will follow later in 2013. These initial deals will significantly enhance digital radio in the UK.

Paul Eaton, Director of Digital Radio at Arqiva said “Arqiva’s investment in the new digital radio multiplexes will deliver more choice and new radio services to over 1.5 million people and present smaller radio stations with the opportunity to get on air more quickly, pushing local content and local talent to the forefront. Working with the BBC and Global Radio gives Arqiva the opportunity to stimulate the digital radio market by demonstrating our commitment to the platform, driving improvements in coverage and increasing listening.”

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