A radio group's pledge to bring Digital listening to Sussex has helped it secure a new eight-year licence for the airwaves.

Capital Radio, which runs stations Southern FM and Capital Gold, has been given the green light to continue broadcasting on the South Coast by the Radio Authority.

Both stations are aired on an analogue signal but Capital Radio said digital services would be available from January.

Listeners are promised improvements in sound quality and a wider choice of stations.

Staff at Southern FM were celebrating the news yesterday.

Capital Radio spokeswoman Elly Smith said: "The Radio Authority said companies who are committed to digital radio would automatically get their analogue services rolled over, which was a big incentive.

"Digital radio provides a stereo sound and enhanced quality, which will be particularly noticeable with Capital Gold, which is on AM at the moment."

Digital technology also means many more stations can be received by a radio.

For example, Brighton residents will be able to tune in to local celebrity Zoe Ball, who has a show on the London-based XFM station.

Ms Smith said: "On the multiplex system, you will get services in the area such as Juice but also XFM, Kiss and Saga Radio.

"Last Christmas a digital radio was developed for under £100 and it sold out.

"Once the radios become cheaper, they will really take off and there will be lots more services available."

A Radio Authority spokesman confirmed a number of other licences, including those in neighbouring Kent, were also being rolled over.

He said: "We will be renewing 15 local licences, all to run for a further eight years from their date of renewal.

"The holders of these licences are all providing, or are contractually committed to provide, digital programme services."

Thursday June 19, 2003