Christian Radio Goes Digital in Staffordshire

19th March 2007

United Christian Broadcasters, one of the UK’s leading Christian media charities, today launches the first Christian DAB radio station in Staffordshire.

Less than three months after it launched the first DAB digital Christian radio station in London, United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) is pleased to announce that it is launching its second regional DAB digital radio service.

On the 2nd April 2007, UCB’s ‘flagship’ Christian radio station, UCB UK, will be broadcast on DAB across Staffordshire reaching over 800,000 people who live or work in the region, not to mention those just visiting or travelling through.

Founded in 1986, UCB’s objective has always been for national Christian radio broadcasting, but the passing into law of the Communications Bill in July 2003 meant that UCB would never be able to hold national AM or FM broadcasting licences. However, as UCB’s Chief Executive, Ian Mackie, pointed out, there was ‘light at the end of the tunnel’:

‘While the door to national AM or FM broadcasting was firmly closed, a new door opened. UCB was able to apply for DAB digital radio licences for local, regional and national coverage.’

Although successful with its application for a DAB licence at that time, UCB discovered there was no capacity on the national DAB digital radio network and this situation was unlikely to change for several years. While national Christian radio broadcasting remained UCB’s top objective, UCB’s strategy became one of establishing a national network, region by region.

UCB launched the UK’s first DAB Christian radio station across the Greater London area on 15th January 2007 and soon afterwards became aware of the opportunity to commence broadcasting on the DAB network in Staffordshire where UCB has its home.

‘As soon as we heard about capacity being available in Staffordshire, we immediately registered our interest’, continued Mackie. ‘In addition to being able to bringing Christian radio to the people of Staffordshire and beyond, this breakthrough will have positive benefits to UCB in terms of staff and volunteer recruitment.’

Initially, UCB’s DAB radio station in Staffordshire will mirror UCB’s flagship station, UCB UK, which is heard across the UK and Ireland on digital satellite, digital cable and the Internet. Air time for content and programming which reflects local/regional needs will start to be made available almost immediately, as Robbie Frawley, UCB’s Radio Stations Manager, pointed out:

‘We have plans to ensure compelling and relevant broadcasting across the Staffordshire area. We are keen to hear from individuals and organisations in the area to make sure we don’t miss anything.’

UCB’s DAB Digital Radio station ident will be: UCB UK CHRISTIAN

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