Commercial Radio Output Unites For Tsunami Effort

The UK’s commercial radio stations will replace their usual broadcasts with nationally syndicated output on Monday 17 January, airing UK Radio Aid, a single star-studded programme across more than 200 stations to an audience of over 20 million listeners to raise money for children affected by the Asian tsunami.

The programme will last for 12 hours from 6:00am to 6:00pm and looks certain to achieve the biggest ever UK commercial radio audience. Participating stations have agreed to launch the aid appeal by donating one day’s profit each, with the initial donation then built upon with donations from listeners.

Two guest DJs will host each hour of the mammoth programming effort, with attractions including live acoustic sets, interviews, competitions, auctions, pledges, messages and news breaks. Amongst the celebrity hosts already confirmed are Chris Evans and Davina McCall.

The collaboration represents an unprecidented effort by media owners, coming together with a level of co-operation never before seen.

The Radio Advertising Bureau has called for companies to donate prizes or prize funds to the effort which will be given away each hour through text message competitions with the proceeds of listener entries also going to help the tsunami victims. According to the RAB, commercial radio broadcasts on a typical Monday reach over 26 million people, representing 46% of the UK population.

However, on the day of Radio Aid this figure is set to increase dramatically, and while the RAB is quick to remind potential sponsors that the day is primarily about raising money for charity, conservative estimates put the value of a competition sponsorship slot at more than £30,000.

RAB: 020 7306 2500 www.rab.co.uk

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