In 2008, a number of national DAB radio stations vanished, due to cost cutting measures.
To fill the void left by speech station Oneword, a 20 minute loop of birdsong took to the air, delighting many and being a welcome and relaxing breath of fresh air.
Yesterday, the 1st of June – Radio Birdsong was abruptly removed.
The now famous birdsong was recorded by Digital One Chief Executive Quentin Howard and was used for the test transmissions used when Classic FM launched – and it was abruptly removed yesterday.
Replacing Birdsong for a trial period of six months is a new station – Amazing Radio. This station aims to showcase new music in a number of different genres, with an element of listener interaction to select what’s played, and who plays it.
Oddly, there’s enough spare capacity on the national DAB channel to allow Birdsong to continue, and it’s reported that Quentin Howard has granted permission for the recording to be used, and is as surprised as we are that birdsong’s no longer being broadcast on DAB.
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:47 pm
So, if there is some spare capacity would this not be an opportunity for quality stations like Planet Rock to creep up to 192 or even 256k?
But if that was the case would older DAB gear handle 192k or is it only the newer gear that can join in the fun?
And look at these shoes .. only had them five minutes and they.. oopps..wrong website!!!
And PS Frequencycast is fab but I’d much prefer a fortnightly or even weekly show, but then not knowing your revenue model (if any) perhaps you do the show for love ‘cos you’re just jolly nice chaps! It’s very much appreciated anyhow..