Channel 4 Radio And Last.fm Form Alliance
Channel 4 Radio and Last.fm have formed a strategic alliance to create what they claim is radio’s first truly global music chart show, The Worldwide Chart.
The weekly show, available at www.channel4radio.com, will showcase the top tracks from Last.fm’s global music chart, highlighting what Last.fm’s 20 million users are listening to across Europe, Asia and the USA.
With exclusive UK access to this material, Channel 4 Radio aims to create the first music radio show that truly reflects what people are listening to across the globe.
Last.fm is now available in 11 languages, with 20 million active users from over 232 countries all sharing their music preferences by linking their media player to the Last.fm database. As such, Last.fm’s worldwide charts are the most accurate reflection of what’s popular across the globe, from New York to New Delhi and beyond.
The strategic alliance will also see both parties working closely to identify new opportunities for music exploitation on digital platforms.
For example, all DJs on Channel 4 Radio will be ‘scrobbling’ their playlists – that is, allowing Last.fm to track and share the music they’re playing. This allows listeners registered on Last.fm to interact with shows and compare their own music taste with that of each DJ.
Nathalie Schwarz, director of Radio at Channel 4, said: “To remain relevant in a competitive and changing world, the way forward for radio is to get back in touch and serve its listeners – we need to listen to their views and take serious note of what they want. It is a privilege to form a unique strategic alliance with an innovator like Last.fm which has a global music presence and influence and which is trusted by over twenty million unique music fans which all play a part.”
Martin Stiksel, Last.fm co-founder said: “Last.fm has always been about putting radio back in the hands of listeners, giving them control over their own channels, personalising the whole listening experience. We’re pleased that Channel 4 Radio shares this attitude.”
In March, Channel 4 Radio submitted its proposals for the new national commercial digital multiplex to Ofcom as part of a consortium called the 4 Digital Group.
Should Channel 4 win the multiplex licence it will broadcast ten national radio stations as well as secondary services, such as podcasts (see 4 Digital Group Reveals Digital Multiplex Bid).
Channel 4 Radio: www.channel4radio.com