Channel 4 And Global Radio Could Combine DAB Services

Channel 4 and Global Radio are reportedly looking at how to combine their digital radio transmission services.

With its takeover of GCap Media (see Global Radio To Acquire GCap For £375m) Global inherits the first DAB multiplex, while Channel 4 won the licence to run the second multiplex last July (see Multiplex Win Signals New Era For Radio).

According to a report in the Financial Times, no formal talks have taken place yet, although as a major player in DAB, it is believed that the BBC could be involved in an eventual deal.

Channel 4 is not expected to launch its DAB multiplex for a year, while Global is still preoccupied with the acquisition of GCap and taking on the Digital One multiplex.

If a deal were to go ahead it would require approval from the regulator Ofcom.

In March, Channel 4 announced that it would be moving further into the digital media realm with an investment of £50 million in new format expansion as part of its vision for the future (see Channel 4 To Extend Digital Media Expansion).

Chief executive Andy Duncan unveiled the “Next on 4” blueprint, outlining how C4 intends to expand its role from broadcast into new digital media, including digital radio and online.

Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com