Premier League Clubs To Launch Digital Radio Stations

Three Premiership football clubs have this morning announced plans to launch their own digital radio stations giving fans access to club information and programming. Aston Villa, Chelsea and Southampton have each agreed a joint venture with digital broadcasting group, Radio First. Each of the three clubs will be given a 50% stakeholding in its respective station for twelve years.

Radio First, which is about to float on the AIM, is also negotiating with five other clubs and is hoping to create The Fan Radio Network across which advertising can be sold. The company is also looking to extend the model across Europe, initially in Spain and the Netherlands.

The stations are set to begin broadcasting in time for the 2001/2 football season. The digital broadcasting technology will allow interactive elements to be developed, including ticketing services.

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