Ofcom approves variation to Digital One's multiplex licence

Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has approved the addition of a ‘Classic and Contemporary Jazz’ service to the national digital radio multiplex licence held by Digital One.

The new jazz service, provided by GCap, is a jazz-led service playing a selection of jazz, soul, blues and R ‘n’ B, from both heritage and contemporary artists.

The service replaces PrimeTime Radio.

The Pure Chronos DAB/CD

Pure have unveiled the new Chronos CD, a stereo DAB/CD clock radio.

The unit sports four independent alarms that can be set for weekdays, weekends, daily or as a one off. Each alarm can turn on the DAB receiver, the FM receiver, the CD sound a simple alarm. If you have trouble starting in the morning you will be pleased to know it also has a snooze button.

The device can play normal, MP3 and WMA CDs and is Compatible with rewritable disks. You can also connect an external music player such as an iPod to play directly through the stereo speakers.

The Chronos CD will be available from September 2006 for £99.99.

Dixons to discontinue stocking analogue radios

Dixons, now considered to be the online brand for Currys, is discontinuing the sale of analogue radios. The decision follows the growth in digital radios sales. Digital radios are now outselling analogue radios by 30:1 on the Dixons web site.

LBC is replacing DNN on regional multiplexes

The Digital News Network (DNN) has ceased broadcasting today on the North East, North West, South Wales & West, West Midlands and Yorkshire multiplexes.

From September the London speech station LBC will be carried in it's place with regional news bulletins on the hour.

New DAB transmitters for North Wales

DigitalOne, the UK's nation commercial DAB multiplex has switched on two new transmitters in North Wales.

The transmitter at Arfon provides new or improved coverage to more than 120,000 listeners along the Lleyn Peninsular, from Pwllheli to Caernarfon.

The Llanddona transmitter extends reception into Anglesey and covers most of the Southern half of the isle. This site is shared with the BBC and also carries the national BBC services.

Harrow Weald off air

The North West London transmitter in Harrow Weald has been off air since 9am due to a technical fault affecting national and local services in the locality.

Yorkshire Radio launched on DAB

Yorkshire Radio has started broadcasting on DAB across Yorkshire and on-line at www.yorkshireradio.net.

The service is based in Leeds and is serving England’s biggest county with a music service playing tracks from the 1960 to modern day.

The service has full coverage of Leeds United including mach commentary and other regular programming.