BBC To Launch Its First Digital Radio Station

The BBC is launching its first digital radio station, Five Live Sports Extra, on 2 February and plans to roll out a further four digital radio stations over the next year.

Five Live Sports Extra, which was given the go ahead by the Government last year (see Government Says No To BBC3), is intended to compliment its sister station Five Live on a part time basis and will offer listeners extended sports coverage of events not usually broadcast on Five Live.

The BBC’s director of radio and music, Jenny Abramsky, said: “Five Live Sports Extra represents the beginning of a new age of public service radio for the BBC, heralding a portfolio of digital services, which we will launch throughout the year.”

Controller of BBC Radio Five Live, Bob Shennan, added: We will be offering even more sport to those who want it, allowing listeners to make their choice between different matches or events, broadcast with the same Five Live informal style.”

The new station will be available through DAB digital radio, digital TV and via the internet, where the BBC has the streaming rights.

Last month the BBC announced plans to launch a major advertising campaign to promote digital TV and radio in the UK. The “Everyone’s BBC” campaign is due to begin in February and the BBC estimates that over the next 12 months everyone in the country will see at least 100 promotions relating to its new services (see BBC To Promote Digital Services).

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

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