Ofcom have withdrawn an opportunity for small-scale DAB community radio in Central Fife as the licence holder said it was not economically viable.

The move means community station Radio Cowdenbeath, which had hoped to serve the Cowdenbeath/Lochgelly areas on localised DAB, will now have to delay or alter its plans.

GK DAB Ltd were the sole applicant previously and had been awarded the licence to operate a new multiplex for the Kirkcaldy & Glenrothes in December 2022, meaning they would have the rights to certain frequencies for digital transmission across the broadcast area (including Cowdenbeath) with space sold to a mix of radio stations in the area.

Ofcom said in their statement that the operator had indicated there were “increasing concerns that the multiplex would not be economically viable in the light of local and national economics, and the multi-transmitter network that would be required to cover the area.”

The licence for East Fife was also revoked by the media regulator for similar reasons, operated by a different organsation.

Ofcom has awarded a significant number of successful multiplex licences to operators across the UK, as the demand for localised digital audio programming has increased in the past decade.

Small-scale DAB (or SS-DAB) would give community stations the opportunity to broadcast to an ultra local community, rather than across a large regional broadcast area, making their content more relevant and encouraging creativity within communities who often dont have a voice on the radio!

Radio Cowdenbeath had hoped to broadcast on the Kirkcaldy & Glenrothes multiplex, but those plans will now need to be revised. Ofcom have indicated that a multiplex for Dunfermline & Dollar would be available in the future, which could include Cowdenbeath in its broadcast area, so an opportunity may arise at a future date.

A spokesperson for Radio Cowdenbeath said,

“We’re obviously disappointed by this move as we supported the GK DAB bid to run the licence area for Kirkcaldy & Glenrothes, but it seems it wasn’t to be. Although this alters our plan for DAB in the short term, we’re hopeful that Ofcom will seek an operator for the Dunfermline & Dollar licence area soon, which would be our next opportunity. Unfortunately the costs of broadcasting on traditional FM technology are just too high for a small community station, and Ofcom are encouraging more stations to look to digital anyway, so we’ll continue to broadcast online for now, slowly building our volunteer base and our content.”

The community station are currently looking for a temporary home to establish a small studio base. They successfullly bid for some funding over the past year and have the equipment, but are struggling to find a venue to host a studio. It’s hoped if the BRAG bid to redevelop the Town House in the High Street is successful, the station would move into purpose-built studios there.

If you know of any opportunities for small premises that might be available on a low or no cost, please get in touch by emailing info@radiocowdenbeath.scot