A new multiplex, éirdab, has started transmitting in Cork with two Christian radio stations already on board.
Licenced by ComReg, the Cork mux has launched with two services UCB (United Christian Broadcasters) and Radio Maria, with more to follow. It is using channel 11A (216.928 MHz).
It is owned and operated by Viamux, where Director of Programming and Content, John Evington said: ‘It’s wonderful to be able to offer a digital radio platform for stations that extend listener choice. Services that are distinctive and unique in any given marketplace fulfil the consumer need for greater choice and this can only be a good thing.
“We know that offering exclusive content and niche brands, which serve clearly defined audiences, accelerates the uptake of DAB and believe this will lead to an overall increase in radio listening’.
Viamux will broadcast its range of services in DAB and DAB+ from a transmitter site high above the city centre at the Cork Internet Exchange, Ireland’s ‘most connected building’.
Viamux Managing Director, David Duffy says the demand from prospective stations is strong. “We’ve had a lot of interest from stations wanting to be on the multiplex and a number are lined up to launch in the coming months. This will be a gradual process as service providers are required to hold a Section 71 licence from the BAI and the application process can take up to five months. However, I must thank both ComReg and BAI who have been very supportive of this DAB initiative.”
The éirdab multiplex is open to local commercial, community, institutional and online radio with their wide range of formats that cater for ethnic, lifestyle, specialist as well as general audiences.
More information can be found at eirdab.com.