Listeners in 16 parts of the UK are set to benefit from improved digital radio coverage.
New transmitters carrying the BBC’s national radio stations have been switched on during the summer, bringing the services to 71,000 homes across 16 areas.
The boost to transmitter numbers is part of an expansion of the network of transmitters used for stations like BBC Radio 2 and Radio 5 live. Listeners should notice improved coverage in existing areas and better coverage indoors, increasing from 93% to 97%.
“We are delighted to announce the continuing build-out of our next phase of coverage, giving more listeners the opportunity to enjoy the full range of national BBC radio services,” said Kieran Clifton, Director of Distribution & Business Development.
Local BBC radio stations are not affected by the new national transmitters. Stations such as BBC Tees and BBC Somerset are carried on privately owned multiplexes.
The new transmitters take the total number to 335, covering 96% of homes. This is still short of the coverage offered by the BBC’s FM transmitters.
The full list of areas with new transmitters is:
Lincoln; Leicester; Glossop; Dover, Deal and Hythe, Kent; Downham Market and Wisbech, Norfolk; Holywell, Bagillt and Flint, Flintshire; Skinningrove, North Yorkshire; Haverfordwest; Newcastle Emlyn; Wokingham and Bracknell; Barrow-in-Furness, Whalley and Clitheroe, Lancashire; Skegness, Ingoldmells and surrounding areas; Brixham, South Devon; Ramsey, Isle of Man; Ballycastle, north coast of Northern Ireland