Bids in to run digital radio in the Channel Islands

Applications have been submitted to Ofcom to launch local digital radio in the Channel Islands.

Small Digital Planet Ltd are one of those to put in a bid and Tindle CI Broadcasting have joined with Folder Media from the UK to apply to Ofcom.

Nation Broadcasting have also submitted an application.

If one of those are approved, islanders could soon listen to local radio stations digitally, rather than on FM.

The application for digital radio closed on 19 July, with the third largest local radio operator in Great Britain planning to broadcast 25 services to Jersey, Guernsey, Herm, Sark and Alderney using three transmitters.

A variety of local stations are expected to be included in the licence that will broadcast country music, children's programmes, rolling news, rock music and a number of new regional radio stations for the Channel Islands.

Ofcom is expected to make a decision in the autumn, with the DAB multiplex launching in 2020.