4Radio Set For Autumn Launch
Channel 4 has reportedly delayed the launch of the first services on the second national digital DAB multiplex until the autumn.
In its original licence application Channel 4 said that most of the stations would be launched by the summer (see 4 Digital Group Reveals Digital Multiplex Bid).
When awarding the licence for the second multiplex last July, Ofcom said that the digital radio service had to have launched within one year of the licence being awarded.
Channel 4, in its original application to Ofcom, said that it would launch its three radio stations within 11 months of the commencement of the licence period, which began on July 6 2007 (see Channel 4 Consortium Wins Radio Multiplex Licence).
Earlier this month it was revealed that 4Radio had not yet appointed an advertising director or sales team prior to what was then expected to be a July launch date of the platform (see 4Radio Still Looking For Ad Director).
It was also reported that the 4Radio schedule had been altered, with Chrysalis Radio backing out of plans to produce Sky News Radio and Virgin Radio pulling plans for a Virgin Viva station, while speech station Channel 4 Radio will now launch three months later than planned, in April 2009.
It is understood that Channel 4 will not be held to every date on the licence, however, so it is unlikely that it will incur a penalty for the late launch of Channel 4 Radio.
Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com