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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio is pleased to announce the launch of two new national DAB digital radio transmitters in Malvern in Worcestershire and Haslingden in Lancashire.

The new transmitter at St Ann's Well in Malvern provides DAB coverage in Great Malvern, as well as enhancing coverage through Worcester and Droitwich into Bromsgrove. The transmitter also improves coverage in Tewkesbury and Cheltenham in Gloucestershire. In total it adds a further 17,000 to the national DAB network and improves coverage for three quarters of a million people.

The new transmitter at Haslingden in Lancashire brings coverage to a further 31,000 people between Bury and Blackburn, improving coverage in Bury, Rawtenstall and Bacup. In total the transmitter extends and improves coverage for just under 450,000 people.

The launch of the two new transmitters is part of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s ongoing investment in the DAB network fulfilling its commitment to reach around 92 per cent of the UK population by the end of the year.

Digital radio listeners can now tune in to the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s portfolio of digital-only stations – ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 1Xtra, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ 6 Music, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 7 and ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Asian Network – as well as the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s existing national radio stations – ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 1, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 2, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 3, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 4, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 5 Live and ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ World Service – and enjoy the benefits of digital audio broadcasting (DAB).

"The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ is committed to broadening the availability of digital radio and we are delighted to further expand and improve coverage," said Mark Friend, Controller, Multiplatform & Interactive, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Audio & Music: "We hope more listeners will discover the range of programmes and services offered by DAB."

Notes to Editors

The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ has five digital-only radio networks, all launched in 2002:-

• Radio 1Xtra – playing Xtra R&B, Xtra Hip Hop
• 5 Live Sports Extra – the home of live sport with exclusive coverage of live events
• 6 Music – celebrates the alternative spirit in popular music, from the Sixties to current day
• Radio 7 – the best of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ comedy, drama and books from the archive
• Asian Network – the sound of Asian Britain

Listeners can also receive Radios 1 to 5 Live (and World Service) on DAB, along with more than 30 of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s English local radio and nations services.

The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s national digital radio coverage currently stands at more than 88 per cent of the UK population.

There are now more than 12 million DAB sets in the UK (GFK).

Digital radios are available that offer users the opportunity to record and rewind their favourite programmes. Some DAB radios also offer an EPG letting users select and record their favourite programmes when they want.

Digital radio offers improved reception and does not suffer from the interference and fading that can happen with AM and FM radio.

Digital radio is a more efficient means of broadcasting. More networks can be transmitted, offering more choice for listeners.

Digital radio can transmit text and data with the audio signal. A small screen on digital radios carries rolling text telling listeners what music they're listening to, who's being interviewed and giving phone numbers and email and website addresses.

DAB digital radios are available from £25 from a range of retailers.

Digital radio can also be received via digital television (satellite, cable and Freeview) and the internet.

Listeners are advised to check their coverage by visiting bbc.co.uk/digital

DL