TEIGNBRIDGE’S airwaves are set to get livelier, after the broadcast regulator Ofcom awarded a licence to operate a new digital radio network for South Devon.

The new network is expected to launch later this year and is projected to reach over 200,000 residents across Teignbridge, Torbay and parts of the South Hams.

The licence was awarded to TorDab, an all-Devonshire organisation comprising local media groups such as South Devon Radio, the publisher of the Torbay Weekly, Clear Sky Publishing, and Exe Communicate, which is linked to Radio Exe.

Seven community stations backed TorDab’s bid, which faced stiff competition from a group led by a Gloucestershire-based company.

The next task in the process is to erect three digital transmitter masts, one in Torquay, one in Bovey Tracey and one between Teignmouth and Kingsteignton.

South Devon is the latest area set to have a small-scale DAB radio network.

Last month, Exeter became the first area in the South West to launch such a service, with eight radio stations broadcasting on DAB+ and reaching hundreds of thousands in the area.

Exeter’s service has space available for 25 stations in total, which will be the same in South Devon.

As well as bringing a suite of digital stations to South Devon, TorDab also intends to launch a rolling news service called Devon20Twenty, which will provide journalism and broadcast training to people of all ages. Radio Exe will also operate a station for local events and special occasions called Pop Up Devon.

TorDab’s full application can be read on its website: www.tordab.com – where anyone interested in launching a radio station in the area can express an interest to do so.

The hope is that a wide variety of formats will become available, such as student radio, hospital radio, and stations servicing particular musical tastes or events.

On the announcement of its decision, Ofcom recognised that TorDab’s team includes: ‘experienced individuals with a longstanding commitment to local radio in the area, and included a sensible business plan.’

Torbay Weekly editor Jim Parker, who chairs the group, said: ‘It’s a very happy new year. We couldn’t be more pleased that this network has been entrusted to us as local people who will encourage groups interested in launching radio stations aimed specifically at South Devon.

‘We’ll now work hard to try to launch the network in 2023.’