BBC Digital Radio Accelerates

BBC Radio has announced the launch of a new national digital radio transmitter in Wrotham, Kent.
The new transmitter will be a key part in the transmission network for London and the South East.
It adds around 133,000 people to the coverage of the network and improves coverage for some 7.6 million people across the whole of London, north Kent and Surrey.
Digital radio listeners can now tune in to the BBC's portfolio of digital-only stations - 1Xtra, 5 Live Sports Extra, 6 Music, Radio 7 and the Asian Network - as well as the BBC's existing national radio stations - Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 4, Radio 5 Live and the World Service - and enjoy the benefits of digital audio broadcasting (DAB).
"The BBC is committed to broadening the availability of digital radio and we are delighted to further expand and improve coverage in the South East and London," said Mark Friend, Controller, Multiplatform & Interactive, BBC Audio & Music.
"We hope more listeners will discover the range of programmes offered over DAB including ball-by-ball commentary of The Ashes on 5 Live Sports Extra and some great festive highlights on Radio 7, 1Xtra and 6 Music over Christmas."
The BBC is investing in the DAB network and fulfilling its commitment to reach around 92% of the UK population by the end of next year.
The BBC has five digital-only radio networks, all launched in 2002: 1Xtra - Radio 1Xtra - playing Xtra RnB, 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 BBC comedy, drama and books from the archive and the 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 BBC's English local radio and nations services.
(BMcC/GK)