Enabling truly local radio and increasing listener choice

NOXDAB is a not-for-profit consortium of local people and industry experts planning to bring a range of exciting new radio stations to digital radio listeners in Banbury, Brackley and Bicester.

Using the latest DAB broadcast technology we will give local broadcasters a chance to be heard on digital radio in a cost effective manner.

We’ll also introduce a number of additional radio stations to our area to enhance the depth and variety of radio listening available.

Who we are

NOXDAB was born from a partnership between local broadcasters and business people.    We aim to bring our area a new digital radio service which is run and controlled locally, for the benefit of our local community.   As a not-for-profit organisation we will ensure that our carriage costs offer small local broadcasters an affordable path to broadcast on digital radio.

Our plans will bring truly local radio to our area, increase listener choice and focus on supporting our area’s growth and development.

Backing NOxDAB

Banbury FM plays your favourite music with local news, essential information, promotion of events, local music, business and local charity support.

Puritans Radio broadcasts from the Banbury United’s ground with exclusive commentaries of their games, and opportunities for local broadcasters.

3BS Radio is the community station serving Brackley, Buckingham and Bicester from studios at the University of Buckingham.

Radio Horton is the health and wellbeing station which first broadcast to the Horton General Hospital in1964 and now also caters for local care homes.

What is Small Scale DAB?

Small-scale DAB is a new way of transmitting digital radio using software and low-cost computer technology to provide a flexible and inexpensive approach to the terrestrial broadcast of digital radio services.

The system enables services to broadcast to a relatively small geographic area.

Unlike analogue FM radio where only one station can use a frequency, with digital broadcasts a number of stations can be transmitted together on the same frequency.   This is called a multiplex.   A multiplex can carry between 20 and 30 stations.

Broadcast Area

The regulator Ofcom is licencing Small Scale DAB services across the UK.   The country has been split into areas or “polygons”.   A licence to operate the multiplex is being advertised in each polygon. 

Our polygon is called “Banbury and Bicester”.

The assumed coverage area for our polygon is shown here.   Ofcom estimate the polygon covers 121,661 people.

Our plans will bring a Small Scale DAB area to cover Banbury, Brackley and Bicester, together with as many of the surrounding villages as is technically possible, within our polygon.

Supporting NOxDAB

Victoria Prentis, MP for North Oxfordshire

“Local news coverage is essential which is why I am pleased to support NOxDAB Ltd with its bid for a DAB radio multiplex licence. It will bring local stations in North Oxfordshire closer together, maximising output and optimising the flow of news and information.”

Dame Andrea Leadsom DBE, MP for South Northamptonshire

“I am grateful to you for bringing this important issue to my attention and entirely appreciate what you say about bringing together all the local stations as NOxDAB, comprising Banbury FM, Radio Horton from the hospital, the Puritan’s Radio from the football club and 3Bs Radio serving Brackley and Bicester.

“I wish you every success with the application and am happy for you to submit this letter in support.”

Barry Wood, Leader, Cherwell District Council

“Radio is a medium which is still very much valued, but our vibrant and growing area often doesn’t receive the coverage it deserves.   Members at Cherwell District Council were therefore pleased to pass a motion urging Ofcom to award the new digital radio small-scale licence for this district to the locally owned and controlled bid put together by Banbury FM and its partners.   We believe the aims of NOxDAB Ltd, with a local focus and ease of access for local broadcasters, will provide the most benefit to our area.   We hope their bid is successful.”

Kieron Mallon, Leader, Banbury Town Council

“I, and the Councillors at Banbury Town Council, fully support the local NOxDAB bid for the digital radio multiplex licence for our area.   This is the one and only application that will bring our area the truly local service it deserves.

“Local radio, if it is to fulfil its objective must be that, truly local.   NOxDAB’s founding member, Banbury FM has provided fantastic service to the area known locally as ‘Banburyshire’ covering the place three counties meet, North Oxfordshire, South Warwickshire and South Northamptonshire.

“Banbury FM truly deserves this extra platform to continue the great work of providing genially local news, stories and information for this catchment area. From Bicester in the South to Southam in Warwickshire in the North, Chipping Norton in the West to Brackley in Northamptonshire in the East, centred on Banbury, there is only one go to radio station for us and that is Banbury FM. We want that to continue and ask you to support their bid.”

Donna Ford, Leader, Bicester Town Council

“In November 2021 Bicester Town Council passed a motion in support of Banbury FM’s aspiration to operate the local DAB digital radio multiplex for Bicester, Banbury and Brackley, which they aim to operate with their local partners as NOxDAB.   I am pleased to support NOxDAB’s application to Ofcom and note the benefits their plans will bring to our area, not least the establishment of a truly local radio station in Bicester.”

What will it cost to broadcast on the multiplex?

Carriage costs on the NOXDAB multiplex will be realistic, but affordable.   

Our aim is to ensure small broadcasters are not burdened with transmission fees which jeopardise their ability to succeed.   

Those taking a slot will be responsible for their own DSP or C-DSP licence from Ofcom, other licences (such as music royalties) and other standard business costs.

If you would like to know more please get in touch for a chat.

    Contact Us

    The NOXDAB digital radio multiplex will reach an estimated 121,000 people in Banbury, Brackley, Bicester and the surrounding parts of North Oxfordshire and South Northamptonshire.   

    This fast growing area sits on the edge of the Cotswolds, the Thames Valley, the Midlands and the South-East and has its own unique identity.

    if you are a broadcaster who would like to find out more about being part of our line-up of stations please get in touch using this form.

    You can also use this form if you wish to talk to us about any other part of our plans.

    Alternatively you can leave a message for one of our team by calling the Banbury FM office on 01295 297888.