Launch date set for South Devon radio network

TorDab goes live this autumn

Several new digital radio stations are about to launch in South Devon.

The date has been set for DAB digital broadcasting network TorDab to go live, meaning local organisations can bring radio services to a wider audience.

It will launch on Wednesday 1 November, from transmitters in Torquay, Bovey Tracey and at Teignmouth Golf Club, subject to approval by broadcast regulator Ofcom.

Online station South Devon Radio, based at Lymington Road, Torquay, is one of two partners behind the scheme. It brings both new and experienced presenters from the Bay to a wider audience, with the opportunity for local bands to get their music heard. The other partner is Devon’s Radio Exe, home to former Heart presenter Matt Rogers and award-winning Devon presenter Ashley Jeary. 

Radio Exe will bring its non-stop Christmas station, Radio ExeMas to the line-up too, and also offers a pop-up channel to local organisations wishing to broadcast for a short time across South Devon. A new station called Devoncast Radio is planned for the new year, which will broadcast non-stop podcasts produced in the county. It is now inviting groups that have such podcasts to get in touch.

Award-winning youth-led Ocean Youth Radio, which gives young people a voice in Torbay, has been awarded a community radio licence so it can join the network. Torbay Hospital Radio is awaiting news of its licence application from Ofcom, but if it is successful it will be able to keep patients and staff in closer contact with friends and family across a wide area.

Other stations are expected to apply for broadcast licences once the network comes on stream in November TorDab is hosting an online meeting on Thursday 28 September at 5pm for anyone interested in setting up a radio station so they can understand the requirements and costs. 

TorDab chair Jim Parker said: “For far too long, broadcasting has been the province of large organisations or restricted to one local FM provider. Now, with a bit of graft and a commitment to sticking to the rules, all respectable groups have the opportunity to have a radio station, and we’ll welcome them to the airwaves.”

TorDab's technical partner Viamux worked with on neighbouring service ExeDab and is due to fit Devon's other DAB service PlymDab, which has yet to announce a launch date. Devon's Radio Exe is a partner in all three services.