Walsall has taken a step towards a fuller local digital radio offer after the launch of a small-scale DAB multiplex at Bescot Stadium, the home of Walsall Football Club. The rollout, unveiled at an event attended by community groups and the Mayor of Walsall, means two Black Country services are now available on the borough’s new digital platform.
What has launched and who benefits?
The stations now carrying on the Walsall multiplex are Black Country Radio and its sister service, Black Country Xtra. The former provides music, presenter-led shows, local news and community information; the latter is designed as a hands-on outlet for local people, charities and organisations to create programmes and develop broadcasting skills.
- Black Country Radio: music, presenters, local news and community updates.
- Black Country Xtra: opportunities for training and user-generated community output.
- New DAB access is expected to increase reach within the borough.
“Launching on the new Walsall DAB multiplex means we can reach thousands of potential new listeners who may not have discovered us before.”
Local context and likely effects
The launch matters for several reasons. First, it provides an additional way for residents to access local journalism and information, beyond FM and online streams. For groups that rely on community broadcasting to reach volunteers, service users or supporters, the new multiplex offers broader coverage across the borough.
Second, Black Country Xtra’s focus on training and community-produced programming creates a route for local charities, clubs and schools to get hands-on experience in production. That can strengthen local media skills and give smaller organisations a voice on a prominent platform.
| Service | Main purpose |
|---|---|
| Black Country Radio | Music, presenters, news, community information |
| Black Country Xtra | Community programming and training opportunities |
Statements from station leadership
Station Director Dave Brownhill emphasised the reach the multiplex opens up and the chance to engage new listeners. Keith Horsfall, chairman of Waterfront Media CIC which owns the services, highlighted the extended mission to serve more people across the borough and the intention to build "lasting relationships throughout the borough." The launch took place at a high-profile local venue and was attended by civic and community representatives, underlining its local significance.
Practical questions remain for listeners and community partners: coverage maps, reception quality in different wards, and how community organisations can apply to produce shows on Black Country Xtra. Those details are typically published by stations and the multiplex operator as services bed in.
For Walsall residents, the new DAB multiplex is more than a technical upgrade: it is an addition to the local information ecosystem, with potential to improve access to local news and to nurture media skills among community groups. Expect further announcements from the station and the multiplex operator setting out technical coverage and how groups can get involved.
