Channel 4 In Talks Over Mobile DAB Add-On

Channel 4 Radio is in talks with electronics manufacturers to create a plug-in DAB device for mobile phones and iPods in an attempt to revive digital audio broadcasting.

According to a report in the Times, the broadcaster wants to create an E4 or Channel 4 branded device that will cost a maximum of £20 that would be marketed to young people alongside its new digital stations.

Last year, Channel 4 headed the consortium that won the licence for the second national digital multiplex (see Channel 4 Consortium Wins Radio Multiplex Licence).

However, since GCap unveiled plans to pull out of DAB radio (see DAB Dealt A Blow As Gcap Unveils Radical Measures), the future of the format has been in crisis.

Channel 4 recently appointed Bob Shennan, the former controller of BBC Radio 5 Live, to take up his new role as director of its radio in April.

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