Revoked small-scale DAB licences re-awarded to original applicants

Two companies who had their small-scale DAB licences revoked have been awarded the licences for a second time.

Both companies, covering Merthyr and Isles of Scilly, failed to commence broadcasting within 18 months of being granted licences the first time round, meaning Ofcom had to take them back.

Now, companies run by the same people have been awarded the licences following another application process.

On the Isles of Scilly, Saltito Media Limited now has the licence, which is owned by Ryan Davies and Ian Davies of Like Media.

In Merthyr & Rhondda Cynon Taf, GTFM (South Wales) has another go at launching within 18 months covering the area previously known as the Welsh Valleys.

Also today, Alnwick & Morpeth, Northumberland Community Digital CIC has successfully applied for the revoked licence previous held by UK DAB Networks. This area is now slightly smaller than the original coverage map. This is because part of the south of the previously advertised area now has coverage from launched small scale multiplexes (specifically Newcastle & Gateshead and Tynemouth & South Shields).

The three awards are the first in Round 5 of the small-scale DAB licensing process, with another 26 awards to be made in the coming months.