The Vale of Belvoir’s community radio station 103 The Eye – which recently gained the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – has started broadcasting on an additional platform.
It now transmits on DAB+ in addition to 103 FM and on-line.
Christine Slomkowska, the station’s managing director said: “Since the regulator OFCOM allowed us to implement a power increase four years ago, reception on FM has improved significantly.
“However, the Vale of Belvoir is quite hilly and there are some low-lying areas where our FM is still not as strong as it is in Melton.
“Relaying our station via the new Small Scale DAB transmitter in Nottingham gives people in the north-western part of the Vale, such as those in Ruddington, Cotgrave, Tollerton, Radcliffe-on-Trent and Keyworth another listening choice.”
The station which is operated entirely by volunteers was the first in the UK to launch under the new tier of community radio licensed by OFCOM in 2005. It has been on air 24/7 ever since then, broadcasting music, news and features on 103 FM, DAB+ and can also be heard online and via smart speakers.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty King Charles III emphasised his desire to continue the Award.