A NEW company in Barnsley has been set up to help get local voices back on the radio airwaves.
Barnsley Civic partnered with local digital media company, Essentials Media, to launch Barnsley Community Media – a new community interest company (CIC).
The CIC has been formed to apply for a digital audio broadcasting (DAB) multiplex licence, which will help pave the way for a return to community-led radio in the town.
Local broadcasters Stephen Booth and Gareth Webb are leading the scheme, which hopes to fill a gap left before the pandemic when Dearne FM closed down.
Stephen said: “Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster already have successful multiplexes on air – Barnsley is the missing piece of the puzzle.
“Our goal is to build a high-quality multiplex that empowers local radio stations to reach listeners in Barnsley and work together across South Yorkshire as a connected regional network.
“We’ve got an exciting roadmap ahead, shaped around grassroots voices, creative collaboration and digital innovation that reflects Barnsley’s unique identity.”
