The Alternative Broadcast Company (ABC) has celebrated its first 12 months of operation by ‘officially’ launching its third transmitter. The new site covers the area in and around the town of Kidsgrove, North Staffordshire.
This means residents can pick up ‘new’ stations Blue Sky Radio, Radio Caroline, xRhythms, Churnet Sound, Moorlands Radio and 6 Towns Radio using a DAB+ radio which are now common-place in homes and cars. The ABC network launched in August 2023 and already has these six stations using its services. This new transmitter strengthens the coverage in the north of the City and now also provides the services to the town.
Local geography means that Kidsgrove has been a notoriously difficult area to cover with residents struggling to pick up most local radio stations. However, it’s also a significant population centre with around 30,000 people living in and around the town. So, as well as adding to the choice of stations available, this is a fantastic opportunity for local companies who want to publicise their services. The recent loss of the Signal Radio brand has presented a challenge to businesses seeking to promote themselves in the area. This development allows new dedicated local stations such as Blue Sky, 6 Towns, Churnet and Moorlands to fulfil that demand.
The adjacent map shows the extent of the new coverage with the vast majority of the area covered by good indoor reception (green) and/or good outdoor reception (yellow).
Alternative Broadcast Company Director Steve Perry said, “The transmitter site was set up in November last year but we wanted to make sure everything was running like clockwork before promoting it. It’s taken a while but we’re really pleased with the results and it’s a great 1st Birthday present to be able to announce it publicly. Plus, as well as solving a long-standing problem for local radio reception, it’s great news for listeners, stations and businesses alike.”
The Stoke and Newcastle SSDAB network multiplex (aka mux) covers around 350,000 people living and working in North Staffordshire. Stations wishing to find more information about being included on the mux can do so by visiting our website at www.dabstoke.co.uk, calling 07771 773981 or emailing mail@dabstoke.co.uk.