Durham OnAir, the local radio station for County Durham has launched on DAB Radio for the first time.
The station, which has been broadcasting online since November 2020, has reached the first stage of it's DAB roll out by broadcasting on the new Tyneside DAB multiplex.
The new multiplex, the first of it's kind in the UK, brings DAB radio stations to local areas, offering a hyper local service.
Durham OnAir started broadcasting on DAB Radio at 7am this morning, with station manager Sam Lupton welcoming listeners across Tyneside.
"Whether you are visiting St Mary's lighthouse up by Whitley Bay, enjoying the beach at South Shields, visiting Durham's amazing cathedral, or getting an eye test at Barnard Castle, there are now even more ways to enjoy Durham OnAir"
After the welcoming message the station played it's first record on DAB digital radio, Queen's Radio Ga Ga.
A representative from the station said "Our first DAB switch on means that people across Tyneside can now enjoy Durham OnAir through their DAB Radios"
The transmitter, based on top of Cleadon Water Tower, is sending out the Durham OnAir DAB signal to towns such as South Shields, Boldon, Gateshead and Sunderland.
"We'll be turning on more transmitters over the next few years to ensure we can cover as much of historic County Durham as possible".
Those in the Tyneside area should ensure their radio is "DAB+" compatible. Those with older radios may need to re-tune.