More digital radio on the way to Rochdale

Credible Focus logo

A new company is hoping to bring new, crystal-clear radio signals on DAB across Rochdale.

Credible Focus Ltd is bidding to provide the town with new technology and a new transmitter to ensure small radio stations can continue to broadcast in the digital age.

Digital audio broadcasting (DAB) combines multiple audio streams onto a very narrow signal, meaning an increase in choice for the listener.

Credible Focus Ltd has applied to Ofcom to operate a DAB multiplex in the Rochdale/Oldham area. The company is driven by the team at Credible Media, former owners of Revolution 96.2, along with Infocus Digital Media.

Directors and investors in the company include local community stations Crescent Radio, Rochdale; Oldham Community Radio; and North Manchester FM.

Kevin Bailey, Content Director at Credible Media, said local collaboration was an important consideration for the consortium: “We're delighted to be applying to run a multiplex in our local area. We know that Ofcom value access to digital broadcasting and a variety of services on DAB.”

He added: “We genuinely believe that an alliance of local broadcasters and businesses is best place to deliver those goals.”

Faheem Chishti, of Crescent Community Radio, said: “Ensuring an affordable move to digital broadcasting is essential to our future strategy. I'm confident that the Credible Focus team will deliver a compelling and detailed bid to help secure digital radio for Rochdale and beyond.”

Usha Parmar, of Sunrise Radio, who was heavily involved in the successful small-scale DAB multiplex bid for Leeds, added: “Rochdale and Oldham are two of the most vibrant Manchester boroughs. There's an exciting and growing media industry, and I'm looking forward to being part of an engaging and professional application to operate a small-scale DAB multiplex.”

Radio operators and groups who would like to express an interest in carriage on the multiplex can register at: oldhamrochdaledab.com