Local radio station Express FM launched its new DAB digital radio service at midnight.

The digital radio trial for the City of Portsmouth is part of ground breaking trial, licensed by broadcast and telecoms regulator Ofcom. The service has already had reception reports from listeners further afield, meaning that Express FM and its local programmes, including Pompey FC commentary can be heard deeper into Hampshire and Sussex.

To find the new DAB service, listeners will have to ‘autotune’ their DAB digital radios.

Station Director, Cheryl Buggy said:

“Our listenership is growing significantly on both FM and online, especially with regards to our Portsmouth FC coverage and we are proud to be able to add a digital choice to our repertoire. It’s also great to be part of a pioneering venture, as our partnership in this trial is one of a select few in the country.”

The radio station, based on Arundel Street is one of the longest running community stations in the UK, with a third licence term recently approved by Ofcom. The radio station is proudly ‘Passionately Portsmouth’ and offers its airwaves to local businesses, organisations and charities to promote their services to local people. The last audience research showed Express FM has 30,000 weekly listeners, with almost 14,000 engaged through social media.

[Left to right Oli Ing (Mid-morning presenter), Josh Beaven (Drivetime presenter), Tom Atkins (Pompey Live producer) and Ellie West-Thomas (Technical Co-ordinator).]

Brand and Commercial Manager, David Harber added:

“Research shows that Portsmouth loves digital radio – with over 41% of radio listening being on a digital platform and almost 52% of homes having a DAB radio.

This expansion onto the DAB platform is very exciting for listeners and our growing number of ‘Passionately Portsmouth’ advertising partners. Particularly for Pompey fans with digital radios, who can now listen on this increasingly popular listening platform.”

Some radios that were manufactured before the year 2007 may require a Full autotune or Rest of World scan to find the services. On many radios this is done by simply holding down the autotune button for five or six seconds. Please refer to the radio instruction manual if this does not work.