SwissRadioDay: Paul Chantler on how DAB+ fuels the growth of niche radio stations

17.08.2022 - Switzerland - United Kingdom

Paul Chantler, director of Fix Radio, Podcast Radio and Arena Radio in the UK

Give us a brief introduction to your work in the radio sector...

I’ve worked in the UK radio industry for nearly 40 years as a presenter, producer, journalist and Programme Director. I run my own successful radio consultancy which not only is involved in the development of new and existing stations but also offers training to UK stations in Media Law and Compliance in which I’m an acknowledged expert.

What will you cover in your session at SwissRadioDay?

My session looks at the way fresh formats have been developed in the UK as a result of the expansion of DAB and DAB+. I look at the three stations I’m involved with directly as well as other new formats.

Why has DAB been important to the stations?

I think DAB is important for some stations - for example Fix Radio, the station for builders and tradespeople in the UK, started in London and Manchester but went UK-wide in April. We wanted greater reach and our advertisers needed a national broadcast platform so this is driving new revenue. However, other stations question the potency – and the cost – of broadcast transmission on country-specific DAB in the light of the ability to monetise streaming audio internationally and the stellar growth of new platforms like smart speakers.

The stations you work with started in the U.K. – what are the lessons for other global markets?

I think other global markets can look to the UK to see a wide variety of creative and engaging formats on DAB apart from the traditional “decades” brand extensions of mainstream stations.

How do you see the stations and/or the digital radio sector evolving in the coming years?

In the UK, DAB will open up the airwaves to more and more stations especially with the development of small-scale DAB multiplexes over the next three years which will mean each city and big town will have its own stations including community stations going on air.

What are you looking forward to most at SwissRadioDay?

Hearing the issues and challenges affecting broadcasters throughout Europe. And I hope there’ll be a nice lunch too!

How can people contact you if they’d like to know more?

Look at my website – or follow me on Twitter: @PaulChantler

SwissRadioDay 2022 takes place in Zurich's Kaufleuten on 25 August.