Leeds Digital Media Limited (a partnership between Leeds community station, Akash Radio and local commercial broadcaster, Sunrise Radio) applied for the SSDAB multiplex operator’s licence which will reach some 450,000 adults in and around the city and the ambition is to provide an affordable long-term digital future for many existing broadcasters (community and commercial), as well as new entrants.

Leeds Digital Media brings together a range of specialist skills, local knowledge and combined radio experience of more than 80 years from key members.

Gurmail Sahota, Director of Akash Radio and Leeds Digital Media said “Having served the community via radio for the last 18 years with a combination of various Short Term RSLs and the last five years as Akash Radio broadcasting on MW, we look forward to working with Sunrise Radio and partners on this exciting project for Leeds.”

Usha Parmar, director of Sunrise Radio and Leeds Digital Media said: “We are truly excited to be awarded the licence and look forward to working with Akash Radio, bringing a broad range of radio services to suit a wide range of formats”

The consortium of Leeds Digital Media includes directors from Akash Radio, Sunrise Radio, Mighty Radio Leeds, Rangoli Radio and Leeds Dance Community Radio.

Work will now begin on establishing the multiplex and Leeds Digital Media aims to have the multiplex running in 2022.