article date: 06 December 2002

ref: 144

The biggest players in radio have joined together to bring DAB digital radio to Leicestershire. NOWdigital East Midlands Limited, a consortium of GWR Group plc, Sabras Sound Limited, Capital Radio plc and Chrysalis Group plc, has today (Friday December 6), switched on the new Leicester digital radio multiplex bringing more choice and quality to radio lovers in the area.

Leicester Sound's programme controller, Craig Boddy, said: "With Leicester Sound being an essential part of Leicester's radio diet over the years, it is great news to know that it is also now part of the future with DAB digital radio."

NOWdigital East Midlands is broadcasting seven digital radio services, including four existing commercial and BBC analogue services and three brand new and diverse digital only services, which offer real choice. The complement of services now on offer to Leicester's radio listeners with digital radios are:

Leicester Sound - The market-leading FM service from GWR Group playing contemporary chart hits.

Sabras Radio - The existing AM station from Sabras Sound serving the local Asian community with music, news and information.

106 Century FM - The existing regional service from Capital Radio playing a adult contemporary music mix, with programmes of interest primarily to 30 to 54 year olds.

Galaxy - A dance and R n' B service from Chrysalis Group.

Capital Disney - A new digital only service from Capital Radio for pre-teens and teenagers.

A Plus - A new digital only service from Sabras Sound serving Leicester’s young Asians, as well as providing a platform for other local groups.

BBC Radio Leicester - The existing analogue BBC local service.

The new licence will broadcast to a potential audience of 670,000 people and with DAB digital radios becoming more and more accessible, the latest and cheapest digital radio - the Evoke-1 for £99 - is becoming top of the most wanted Christmas lists this year.

Capital Radio's Nathalie Schwarz added: "DAB digital radios allow us to broadcast in greater quality and we are very pleased to launch our digital service, Capital Disney, in Leicester alongside 106 Century FM."

Sabras Sounds' Don Kotak looked to the benefits for Leicester's people: "Digital radio allows radio broadcasters to really serve the whole community with a variety of individual formats. Sabras is proud to be at the forefront of these new developments."

Chrysalis' Daniel Owen added: "Galaxy is a popular regional radio station and we are always being asked when it will be available in other parts of the country. Now DAB digital radio is making this station accessible to the radio listeners of Leicester."

NOWdigital East Midlands Limited was launched in 2001 specifically to help bring diversity through digital radio to Leicester. Its successful bid was announced in February 2002.

For further information please contact:
Jessica Alder - GWR Press Office 020 7344 2745

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