BBC National DAB


BBC National DAB is a digital audio broadcasting multiplex in the UK, for a number of radio stations which have UK wide coverage. The multiplex is owned and operated by the BBC and is transmitted from a number of transmitter sites across the country; it only carries BBC radio stations.
As of the end of 2017, more than 97% of the UK's population are within reach of the multiplex following the completion of the switching on of a fourth set of new transmitters over the previous two years which had seen the reach increase from 93%. Any further expansion of DAB radio is awaiting a decision by Government on any possible digital radio switchover.

Stations carried

The following channels are receivable on any digital-equipped DAB radio in the BBC National DAB coverage area:

Full time services

Part time services

The BBC National DAB multiplex makes use of dynamic ensemble reconfiguration to allow a number of part-time services to broadcast. While these additional services are on air the bit rates of BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live, and data services are reduced.
Station NameDescription
5 Live Sports ExtraLive sport - used to broadcast either Test Match Special or a second sporting event when BBC Radio 5 live is also broadcasting live sport.
Yesterday In ParliamentRadio 4 LW opt-out simulcast; Weekdays 08:30-09:00; Saturdays 08:45-09:00.
Daily ServiceChristian Music and Worship, Radio 4 LW opt-out simulcast; Weekdays 09:45-10:00

"Pop-up" services

In recent years, the BBC has begun experimenting with short-term "Pop-up" digital radio stations, each broadcasting for approximately 4 days at a time, covering music festivals and other special events. The first to broadcast was BBC Radio 5 Live Olympics Extra in 2012, then BBC Radio 2 Eurovision launched for the first time in 2014, and was joined by BBC Radio 2 Country, BBC Music Jazz in 2015 and BBC Radio 2 50s in April 2016. When these temporary stations are on air, there is normally a reduction in bit rate of their parent station.
Station NameDescription
BBC 5 Live Olympics ExtraAvailable during 2012 Summer Olympics with coverage consisting of sports commentaries.
BBC Radio 2 EurovisionLaunched in May 2014 to extend the BBC's coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest. Returned in 2015 to provide coverage of the 2015 contest.
BBC Radio 2 CountryLaunched in March 2015 to provide coverage of London's Country music festival. Returned in 2016 to cover the 2016 festival and again in 2017.
BBC Music JazzLaunched in November 2015 as a joint venture between BBC Radio 3 and Jazz FM, with programming celebrating Jazz music in all its varied forms.
BBC Radio 2 50sLaunched in April 2016 as a celebration of the music and entertainment of the 1950s.
BBC Radio 1 VintageAvailable in September 2017 as a celebration of BBC Radio 1's 50th anniversary.
BBC Radio 2 BeatlesLaunched in September 2019 as a celebration of 50 years of the Beatles album Abbey Road featuring interviews on how the album was created and how it influenced the next generation of music artists.

Station closures

BBC Asian Network was due to be axed in around 2011 after plans to close down the station were published. The BBC also planned to close 6 Music. Since then both stations have been saved from closure – 6 Music was retained after listening figures increased and a campaign was set up on Facebook which had 180,000 supporters.