A NEW era for radio listeners in Bromsgrove will be ushered in this week when a new digital network is switched on.

Three new digital transmitters, including a new one in Bromsgrove, are being turned on at an official ceremony on Friday, (December 6) at the Sixways Stadium, Worcester.

The switch on means BBC Hereford and Worcester, Free Radio and Sunshine Radio will all be available to Bromsgrove listeners for the first time on the digital platform.

The local radio broadcasts will be able to be heard in crystal-clear quality on DAB digital radios, as well as over the traditional frequencies.

To receive the new services, listeners with digital radios may have to retune their sets.

The switch on is being made by MP Harriett Baldwin, who will be joined by former Worcester Warriors player Craig Gillies.

Ford Ennals, from Digital Radio UK, said: “This is great news for half a million people in Herefordshire and Worcestershire as until now they have not been able to receive their favourite local stations on DAB.

"Boosting coverage for this area means listeners can tune into their favourite local stations as well as national BBC and commercial ones."

Jeremy Pollock, from BBC Hereford and Worcester, added: “We are delighted our listeners can receive our programmes, news and sport in digital quality.

"It’s an important step for this area and an exciting day for local radio.”

This switch on comes as the Government looks to make a decision whether to push ahead with a national switchover from analogue to digital radio.

Nationally 18 million digital radio sets have been sold, while around half of homes have a DAB digital radio in the region.

A decision on a switchover could be made as early as this month, when the Go Digital conference is held.

To find out on how to receive the new channels visit getdigitalradio.com/retune.