Ouse Valley Radio is now on DAB Digital Radio across St Neots and Huntingdon

Ouse Valley Radio and Black Cat Radio are delighted to announce that both stations are now available on DAB Digital Radio across St Neots and Huntingdon, bringing an even wider choice of local broadcasting to listeners throughout the area. The two stations made a joint bid for the small scale DAB licence for the region, and worked closely with Cambridge Digital Radio Ltd, whose expertise and knowledge proved invaluable. The expansion represents an exciting milestone for both stations, providing improved accessibility and high-quality digital reception for audiences across the region.

Ouse Valley Radio has served Huntingdon and the surrounding villages since 2011 Black Cat Radio launched its FM transmissions in 2017. They believe it is one of the few times that two radio stations have entered a partnership to improve listener choice and quality in this way. Once OFCOM gave the green light, each station has worked with Cambridge Digital Radio to set up new equipment on sites at Godmanchester and on Paxton Hill overlooking St. Neots.

Tony Obee, Ouse Valley Radio’s CEO, said:
“Ouse Valley Radio’s history goes back to 2011, and over the years we have developed a distinctive mix of community and specialist broadcasting. Our Over to You community access programme has championed the work of hundreds of local charities and community groups, while programmes such as our award-winning radio soap Huntsford, Ouse Valley Today local current affairs show and the acclaimed astronomy programme The Sky Tonight reflect our commitment to informing, entertaining and inspiring listeners. We are also proud to broadcast specialist music programmes covering various genres including Classical Music, Jazz, and Country. We are delighted to have worked alongside Black Cat Radio on this joint enterprise, bringing greater listener choice across the region through DAB.”

Black Cat Radio’s Ste Greenall added:
“As community stations, manned by volunteers, we strive to bring a professsional sound to our programming. Ultimately, the success of any radio station is down to its listeners. Whilst we are competing with each other and indeed with the BBC and independent sector, our strengths lie in engaging with our audiences.

Like Ouse Valley Radio, we aim to offer a wide range of programming, and giving voice to local community organisations and individuals. With specialist folk, jazz, yacht rock and classical music, we try to push our musical boundaries. Our award winning Your Voice programme has championed subjects like disability prejudice, domestic abuse, climate change and mental health. We have received further nominations in the Community Radio Awards this year, including the subject of prostate cancer awareness.”

Steve Potter of Cambridge Digital Radio Ltd, the company behind the project said:
“We were delighted to work alongside Black Cat and Ouse Valley Radio throughout the entire project lifecycle, from the initial application through to planning, construction, and installation. It’s exciting to see the multiplex launch, and we look forward to continuing to provide the technical services and support needed to ensure its successful ongoing operation”.

How to Listen
Both stations are now available on DAB Digital Radio across St Neots and Huntingdon, as well as FM, online, through smart speaker services, and both stations’ mobile apps.

For further information, visit the stations' websites and social media channels.