Classic FM Launches Round The Clock Music Channel

Classic FM has announced plans to launch a 24-hour television channel that will attempt to bring Vanessa Mae, the Opera Babes and Yo-Yo Ma to the MTV generation.

The digital TV channel, which is the first to be devoted entirely to classical music, is expected to launch at the end of next month. It will feature clips of popular classical music artists and film soundtracks, but unlike other music channels, will not broadcast documentaries or concerts.

Classic FM TV will be a free to air offering and will be funded by advertising rather than by subscription. It is understood that the channel will sit alongside MTV, Smash Hits TV and Kerrang! on Sky’s digital platform.

Roger Lewis, programme controller of Classic FM, said: “This is a unique format for music television. Classic FM TV will be the first 24/7 music video channel anywhere in the world. Classic FM TV underlines our commitment to building new audiences for classical music.”

Classic FM’s head of sponsorship and promotions, Julian Rigamonti, has been appointed head of the new channel. Reporting to Roger Lewis, he will be responsible for ensuring the that channel meets its audience targets.

The launch, which has been speculated for some time (see Classic FM Set To Extend Brand With TV Launch), follows the success of the company’s record-label, magazine and credit card. The initiative is viewed as the next step in the development of Classic FM, which has seen its weekly reach increase by 3.8% year on year, according to the latest RAJAR data for the third quarter of 2002.

Classic FM: 020 7343 9000 www.classicfm.com

Recent Radio Stories from NewsLine Scottish Radio Sees Brighter Start To New Year Radio Groups Beam At Prospect Of Further Consolidation Capital Radio Shares Plummet As Profits And Revenues Dip

Subscribers can access ten years of NewsLine articles by clicking the Search button to the left