Bedford Radio is bringing digital radio to the Bedford area

The new local radio station for Bedford - Bedford Radio is leading on a community consortium of local community-based radio stations to bring DAB to the Bedford area.

Bedford Digital Radio is the idea of Co-Founder of Bedford Radio Martin Steers who said ""There are so many local and community-based stations across the area that need a route to broadcast, and local DAB radio is the right opportunity. I'm proud to be bringing community organisations together for a community owned and operated platform"

Small Scale DAB or SSDAB is currently being rolled out across the country and the Bedford area is currently open for application, with a deadline of the 25th of this month.

Bedford Radio has been lobbying hard with the regulator Ofcom and the Governments Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) for access to broadcast, and SSDAB has been offered up as the best route to take to the air having been denied the opportunity to apply for a local FM license.

The consortium has received good support from local and national radio stations that want to be involved, it's also receiving support from.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "I am looking forward to seeing more local radio stations take to the air with a dedicated digital radio service for Bedford, we fully support and wish Bedford Radio and their community consortium the best of luck for their application to provide this service"

Mohammad Yasin MP said "I fully support Bedford Radio, in their consortium bid for SSDAB. Community radio plays a vital role in local democracy and social cohesion. In a world where we are bombarded with information and too often disinformation, it's really important to hear content relevant to people's lives from a trusted, knowable, friendly local figure on issues often overlooked by commercial or mass-media broadcasters. Local radio gives people a stake in their community keeping them informed and entertained. It gives a voice to the voiceless and brings comfort to many - especially those enduring loneliness and isolation."

Bedford Digital Radio is planning on covering Bedford and the surrounding area and is still inviting anyone interested in broadcasting across the area to get in touch before 5pm Friday 22nd to register interest. bedforddigitalradio.com martin@bedford.radio