Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org
Radio Maria United Kingdom just made history. The station now reaches up to 70 per cent of Scotland’s population. It also launched a brand-new signal in Bath. Together, these milestones mark one of the biggest expansions in RM UK’s story.
Radio Maria UK has celebrated a major breakthrough. The new Scottish signal reaches nearly four million people. It covers Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen. It also spans the busy Glasgow-Edinburgh corridor. This corridor forms the economic and social heart of Scotland. The signal went live on Monday, 22 June 2026, at 11am.
President Inti Paolucci called it a significant milestone in RM UK’s growth. He linked the expansion to the station’s recent rebrand from Radio Maria England to Radio Maria United Kingdom. That rebrand reflected a broader transformation already under way. Now, Scotland becomes part of that story. Listeners across the central belt can tune in on their local DAB radio. They join a growing national community of faith.
Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley and President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has previously spoken on Radio Maria and was pleased to hear of the expansion.
“I warmly welcome the news that Radio Maria UK has secured a DAB signal covering the majority of Scotland’s population, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and the Diocese of Paisley. This is a significant milestone that will enable many more people to access programs that nourish faith, inspire hope and strengthen our Catholic community.
Catholic media has a vital role to play in today’s world. It helps to foster a culture rooted in the Gospel, drawing people closer to God and encouraging us to live with compassion, joy and a renewed sense of purpose. At a time when so many voices compete for our attention, it is encouraging to see Radio Maria UK providing a trusted platform for prayer, catechesis, conversation and Christian witness.
I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to contribute to Radio Maria’s monthly March for Life program, and I look forward to the many new possibilities this expansion will bring. It offers a wonderful opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel with listeners across Scotland and to highlight the rich variety of faithful voices, stories and initiatives that continue to strengthen the life of the Church in our country.”
Meanwhile, Bath welcomes Radio Maria UK to its airwaves too. The historic university city now has its own DAB signal. Bath builds on RM UK’s existing coverage in nearby Bristol. Rt Revd Bosco MacDonald, Bishop of Clifton, warmly welcomed the launch.
“I am delighted to welcome the launch of Radio Maria UK on DAB+ digital radio in the Bath area of our Diocese. This is good news not only for Catholics but for anyone seeking thoughtful Christian programming and an opportunity to grow in faith.
Many people today are searching for hope, peace and a deeper sense of purpose. Radio Maria offers a rich variety of programs including prayer, catechesis, music, reflection and news, all rooted in the Catholic faith. It also provides companionship for those who may be isolated or unable to participate regularly in the life of their local parish.
Radio Maria UK is already available across the country through its app, and this new DAB+ service for Bath builds on its existing coverage in Bristol. I am very pleased that more people across the Diocese of Clifton will now be able to listen with greater ease.
Ultimately, this expansion changes daily life for thousands of new listeners. Families in Glasgow can now find prayer at the turn of a dial. Students in Bath can discover catechesis between lectures. Isolated listeners gain a steady companion throughout the day. Radio Maria UK broadcasts Catholic programming around the clock. The schedule includes prayer, music, talk shows, and reflection. Every program roots itself in Catholic teaching. Anyone with a DAB digital radio can listen right away. The station also remains available through its app, anywhere in the country. This growth invites more people into a shared life of faith.