Broadcasting regulator, Ofcom, has announced a new digital radio ‘multiplex’ for the Channel Islands.

It will let stations like Channel 103 and BBC Radio Jersey broadcast on DAB for the first time.

Currently, only BBC national stations are available through digital radio in the Channel Islands.

Tindle CI Broadcasting, which owns Channel 103 and its sister station Island FM, says it’ll bid for the license when applications open in early 2019. It will be a joint venture with Folder Media, an operator of DAB multiplexes in the UK.

James Keen, the Station Director for Channel 103 and Island FM says it’ll mean the islands will benefit from the new technology:

“We welcome today’s announcement that Ofcom will be advertising a local radio multiplex for the Channel Islands.

“With this additional multiplex, there is finally a route to digital for the islands’ local services as well as room for either more radio stations or higher quality existing stations.”

At the same time, Ofcom has extended Channel 103 and Island FM’s licences until October 2020 to enable the local radio multiplex to be advertised and awarded.