Local DAB radio comes to Ilkley

Your Ilkley Radio has launched on the new small scale DAB+ multiplex this week, six years since the radio station launched as Rombalds Radio.

The new multiplex covers South Craven, Wharfedale and the Worth Valley using the latest DAB+ technology.

Rombalds Radio was founded by radio professionals Stuart Clarkson and Nick Babb during the pandemic. The pair were invited as 'media champions' to a reception at Downing Street in 2023, where they spoke to the then Culture Secretary, Lucy Frazer, about the station, its plans to expand to broadcast on DAB in the future and how the government could support these plans.

In 2024 the established radio platform joined the Your Media Group portfolio and split into two radio stations, Your Ilkley and Your Skipton, joining sister station Your Harrogate.

The new DAB+ multiplex was awarded to Aire Wharfe DAB Ltd, co-owned by community radio station Drystone Radio and Sunrise Radio, in December 2024. Both of whose services are also available for listeners.

Ricky Durkin, Programme Director at Your Media Group, said: “Launching on DAB is a significant moment for both Your Skipton and Your Ilkley.

“It means listeners can now enjoy the stations much more easily at home and in the car, while we continue focusing on genuinely local content, trusted presenters and strong community connections. “We’re excited to bring the stations to even more people across the area.”

To listen with the latest DAB+ technology you may need to re-scan your standalone radios to see new stations, in the car they should just be available automatically.

The current radio services on the new Craven DAB are:

• Your Ilkley

• Your Skipton

• Drystone Radio

• Sunshine Radio

• Sunshine Gold