Radio Listeners Get BBCi On Virgin Media TV

Listeners to BBC radio through Virgin Media TV will be able to view dynamic interactive content from later this month.

This content is already reaching Freeview audiences, which means that BBCi now visualises radio listening on most major digital TV platforms.

Mark Friend, multiplatform and interactive controller for BBC audio & music, said: “This is a key part of the BBC’s plan to enhance radio across new platforms and connects us with the huge audience listening to radio through their TV.”

Listeners can access this content whilst listening to BBC radio by pressing red on their digital remote. The content includes: “Now playing” track information, genre-based news, music charts, features, programme listings plus news, sport and weather headlines.

For example, BBC Radio 1 listeners can view the latest entertainment news; BBC Radio 5 Live audiences see live news and sport headlines; and 6 Music fans get “Now playing” track details plus up-to-date 6 Music news and chart info.

For the very first time, BBC regional radio will also have an enhanced presence via digital television. Listeners can access local news, the latest event information in their area and regional programme information at the touch of a button.

All stations also have quick links to the BBC’s popular enhanced television services, such as Glastonbury and Wimbledon interactive.

Rahul Chakkara, controller, BBC TV platforms, said: “This is an important extension for BBCi and is part of our strategy to enhance the viewing and listening experience of our audiences. We plan to use on-demand and other capabilities of the platform to make the service rich and visual, transforming the users’ experience.”

The latest RAJAR data, for Q2 2007, revealed that almost 13% of listening is now done via a digital platform (DAB, DTV, internet) with digital listening hours for Q2, 2007 totalling 136 million hours per week.

Of those listening via digital, 2.6% that listened via their digital televisions (see New RAJAR Figures Reveal Almost 13% Of Listening Now Via Digital).

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk