Sunrise Radio still optimistic about national

Sunrise Radio is still hoping to go national on DAB digital radio, despite suffering a setback earlier after the multiplex deal it was set to launch on nationally collapsed.

According to inside reports, Sunrise Radio is actively seeking space on the current one and only national digital radio multiplex – Digital One.

Earlier this week, Digital One launched a process to lure in more stations to go national. As part of this, advertisements in various national presses were carried.

The move follows last month�۪s report from the Digital Radio Working Group (DRWG) to the Government highlighting how new national radio stations could act as the catalyst to boost the take up of DAB digital radio

Acting Chief Executive of Digital One, Glyn Jones, said: “We�۪re turning the ideas set out in the DRWG�۪s report into actions. In turn we�۪re expecting that stakeholders involved in the Working Group, and other companies with the ambition to launch new national radio stations in 2009, will step up and engage with a view to adding compelling new choice for consumers.”

In 2007, 4 Digital Group consortium led by Channel 4 was awarded the second national DAB multiplex licence. With this, Sunrise Radio was set to go national. However, last year, Channel 4 cancelled its plans to launch the second national DAB multiplex due to high costs.