Digital Radio Group Joined By New Shareholders For London Bid

The Digital Radio Group (DGR) has announced its intention to bid for the third and final London digital radio licence (see Third And Last London Digital Multiplex Goes Up For Grabs), having added several new shareholders to its original line-up (see Digital Radio Group Announces Final Shareholder Line-Up) including digital radio equipment manufacturer Panasonic.

DRG’s chairman, Lord Alli, feels the addition of a manufacturer to its ranks gives DRG an advantage over other bidders. “We are the only multiplex applicant with investors that reflect the supply chain: from making the programmes to the development of the digital radio receivers themselves,” he said.

DRG are proposing 11 radio services, of which 9 would be exclusive to the digital format. These would include a channel for families with young children, a variety of music stations, a dedicated service for London’s gay community and a service for the student community.

Yesterday the MXR consortium announced that it is launching a third attempt to win a London licence (see MXR Consortium Submits Bid For Third And Last London Digital Licence).

GWR Group: 020 7284 3000 Scottish Radio Holdings: 0141 306 2242 The Wireless Group: 020 7959 7800 Emap: 020 7504 6000 Radio Authority: 020 7430 2724

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