Commercial radio in Canberra goes digital

  The Edge Digital – urban R&BCommercial radio will officially switch on DAB+ digital radio broadcasts in Canberra tomorrow providing digital quality sound and more station choice for listeners in the capital.
 
All four commercial radio stations, 2CA, 2CC, Mix 106.3 and Hit 104.7 will broadcast in digital, alongside several commercial digital-only stations, with more new stations to launch in coming months.
 
The DAB+ stations on air include:

  • Snow Digital – featuring popular shows including Kate, Tim & Marty and updates on ski conditions 
  • Coles Radio – a contemporary music mix with some great favourites
  • KIX Country – for everyone who loves country music
  • My Canberra Digital – a smooth selection of favourites from the 70s to today
  • Buddha Hits – chill out music that makes you feel good.
  • The Edge Digital – urban R&B

 
Commercial Radio Australia’s Joan Warner says the move from trial to permanent services means listeners will have access to the full benefits of digital radio and improved coverage, particularly in the south of Canberra and along the Federal and Barton Highways.
 
“Commercial radio has been broadcasting on the AM band in Canberra since 1931 and on FM since 1988. Now with the official move to digital broadcasting, radio can keep innovating and offering better services to listeners.”
 
Trial broadcasts began in Canberra in 2010 and were extended several times before being finalised. ABC and SBS broadcasts were made permanent some time ago.

 

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Head of Music for The Hit Network, Irene Hulme says, “After a successful testing phase in Canberra we are pleased to officially launch Buddha Hits in Canberra. With Easy Hits launched in Hobart earlier this year and now Buddha Hits available in Canberra, we are gradually expanding the footprint of our digital radio offering and continuing to provide our listeners with more variety when it comes to their music habits.”

GM of Canberra FM, Craig Wagstaff, says, “We’re excited to introduce new stations to Canberra and be part of the growing digital radio landscape.”
 
Canberra Radio GM, Michael Jones, says, “Listeners will notice a significant upgrade in sound quality on DAB+ radios compared to AM, along with other benefits such as easy tuning and on-screen information such as song titles, news and weather.”
 
Consumers who already have a DAB+ radio should rescan their radios from 10.30am on July 19 to pick up the new services.
 
Nearly 70% of all new cars sold in Australia now come with digital radio factory fitted. 
 
The move to permanent DAB+ services in Canberra is expected to result in improved reception, including the areas of Conder, Chisholm, Kamba and Jerrabomberra, as well as along the Federal and Barton Highways, including the township of Murrumbateman.
 
Commercial radio stations will mark the start of permanent DAB+ services with on-air giveaways of digital radios.

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