Community radio stations prepare to launch in South Devon

South Devon is about to get several new community radio stations as a digital transmission service prepares to launch after its official coverage area was published.

Earlier this year, a new organisation called TorDab, established by Devon’s Radio Exe and South Devon Radio, won a bid process run by broadcast regulator Ofcom to operate the DAB network. TorDab will have space for six community stations specifically broadcasting for the Torbay and Teignbridge areas.

Ofcom has now published the transmission map which shows the area of greatest indoor coverage (attached) from its three transmitters in Bovey Tracey, Torquay and Teignbridge. The new radio stations are expected to be able to reach about 205,000 adults indoors, and about 250,000 outdoors.

South Devon Radio, which up to this month was only available online, but has now begun broadcasting on DAB digital radio in the Exeter area, will go on air across the area from its studios in Torquay. It is aimed at music lovers aged over 50. Award-winning youth-led Ocean Youth Radio, which gives young people a voice in Torbay, has also submitted a community radio licence application to join the network. Others are in the process of doing so too.

Devon’s Radio Exe, which is already available on DAB in South Devon, will also be on TorDab and will launch two new stations, including Devoncast Radio, which will broadcast non-stop podcasts produced in the county and is now inviting groups that have such podcasts to get in touch.

TorDab director Julian Sharp, who is also managing director of South Devon Radio, said: “We’re thrilled that Ofcom chose our group over a company run in Gloucestershire, and that it has now approved our technical plan unamended.

“It means we can prepare for launch, as can any group that wants to launch a radio station for South Devon.”