Launch Of Oneword Pushes National Commercial Radio Beyond BBC

Commercial radio now has more national stations than the BBC after Digital One announced it is to launch Oneword, the first non publicly funded station dedicated to plays, books, comedy and reviews.

The deal between Digital One, which launched the first national commercial digital radio network last year (see Digital Radio Launches In The UK), and Oneword Radio, takes to seven the number of full time national commercial stations, compared to the six stations operated by the BBC. This will increase to eight when The Wireless Group’s planned business, finance and money channel is finalised.

Oneword, which begins broadcasting on the Digital One network in March will have a populist and contemporary feel. Its shareholders are the Guardian Media Group, Chivers Communications, Unique Broadcasting and audio book publishers Heavy Entertainment. Its spoken word format will broadcast names such as Michael Jarvis and Griff Rhys Jones.

Chief executive of Digital One, Quentin Howard said: “Ever since I heard the idea for a books and plays channel I knew it had the potential to make a unique and popular addition to radio listening, and digital radio makes this channel possible for the first time. Classic FM showed how music previously considered stuffy and elitist could be made accessible and enjoyable by millions. Now Oneword has the potential to do the same with a glorious wealth of English literature from the finest authors and actors in the world”.

Digital One: 020 7518 2620