BBC Radio 1 to launch iPlayer channel

The BBC has announced that Radio 1 is to broadcast a new video channel on its online iPlayer platform.

For the first time, audiences will be able to watch performances and interviews which are not broadcast on the BBC’s traditional channels. The corporation hopes the move will help reach larger audiences of young people.

BBC Radio 1 currently has 550,000 subscribers online and received almost 12 million views a month, however listening figures have been down significantly over the past six months, as revealed by the latest RAJAR results.

The new channel will be available on a range of devices, from TVs to smartphones, with content including music featured in Radio 1’s Live Lounge. It is also hoped that the channel will be able to carry live events such as the Radio 1 Teen Awards or BBC Radio 1Xtra Live.

Ben Cooper, controller of BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, said: “I’m very excited about transforming Radio 1 from being just a radio station into being a full audio-visual channel. Radio 1 has always pioneered innovative ideas and led the way in engaging with young people and this is another huge step in cementing that reputation.”