We’re passionate about the future of local DAB
Small-Scale DAB (SSDAB) is an innovative broadcasting technology in the UK that enables local and community radio stations to transmit digitally over a limited geographical area. This approach offers a cost-effective pathway for smaller
broadcasters to join the digital radio landscape, complementing existing national and regional DAB services.
Since initiating trials in 2015, Ofcom has awarded numerous licences to facilitate the growth of local digital radio. As of October 2024, 115 licences have been granted, with 64 new multiplexes launched, allowing hundreds of new local stations to commence digital broadcasting. Whilst Ofcom have been instrumental in the roll-out of SSDAB, the sector has lacked a coherent voice to champion the sector on its own behalf.
The Local DAB Association (LDAB) serves as the unified voice for small-scale DAB (SSDAB) multiplex operators across the UK. Our mission is to champion the growth and sustainability of the SSDAB sector by engaging with regulatory bodies, supporting our members, and promoting innovation within the industry.
We are committed to encouraging the uptake of SSDAB services by providing analysis, updates, and data on listening trends. Our goal is to facilitate networking opportunities that help SSDAB operators achieve their objectives and to encourage the development and adoption of new technologies and content strategies that enhance the diversity and quality of the local DAB sector.
Our Board
Made up of SSDAB multiplex operators, our board has the right mix of experience and knowledge to support the sector moving forward.
David Duffy
David is a radio professional with over 40 years’ experience in broadcasting. He worked with DCMS on their small-scale DAB trials and contributed to the consultations that helped shape the legislation under which small-scale DAB operates. He is currently a director and licensee of nine small-scale DAB multiplexes across the country.
Richard Finch
Richard is a trustee of Newcastle based community radio station, Radio Tyneside, where he holds the position of Station Director, responsible for the administration of the station. Richard is also a director of the organisations that operate the Newcastle and Gateshead and South Durham muxes, and is actively involved in the development and day to day management of both services.
Chris Hurst
Chris Hurst has worked in commercial radio for over 30 years. He’s been a director and Ofcom licence holder for over 27 years. Chris was the Local Radio Managing Director of the LSE quoted Wireless Group PLC with responsibility for 10 local stations and 3 local multiplexes until it was acquired in 2002 by LSE quoted UTV Media PLC. Chris is a strong believer and supporter of DAB, and has successfully applied for and operates SSDAB multiplexes in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Wolverhampton, Warrington, Preston, Nottingham, Cheshire East, Liverpool, South Hertfordshire and Wigan. Chris attended Harvard Business School in 2005.
Dean Kavanagh
Dean is the Station Manager of Switch Radio, the multiplex manager of the North Birmingham SSDAB multiplex, and a director of Oxford SSDAB operator OxDAB Ltd, SSDAB technology solutions provider Optimux Digital Ltd, and the UK Community Radio Network CIC. Dean was part of the SSDAB trials, having successfully applied for and operated the North Birmingham SSDAB trial from 2015. As a director and lead developer for Optimux Digital Ltd, Dean has helped to build one of the most popular SSDAB technology platforms in the UK.