Digital One Advertises Three Channel Tenders

Digital One, the digital radio consortium which holds the sole UK national commercial digital radio licence (see Newsline), has advertised for tender three brand new digital radio services, part of a package of seven.

The three specific channels up for tender include a soft adult contemporary music station, a drama and comedy channel and an all night club music dance channel. Interest has already been shown in all three networks since Digital One was awarded the licence. The group has reserved capacity on the national digital multiplex for simulcast transmissions of the three national commercial analogue stations, Classic FM, Talk Radio and Virgin.

Other digital channels provisionally allocated on the multiplex include a 24-hour classic gold rock station, and rolling news and information service and a special sports channel.

Ralph Bernard, Digital One’s chairman, commented: “At a time when there is much discussion about the shape and content of public service radio, Digital One is offering commercial players an important new opportunity to develop unique services which differ significantly from those available on the BBC. The start of Digital One’s channel tendering process is the first step towards the roll out of a brand new national network which will not only triple listener choice but migrate the whole radio industry to a brand new digital platform for the New Millenium.”

There are also plans to add a multi-media facet to digital radio, involving the transmission of broadcast-related information to receiver screens, for example artist and song related information, programme information and news and sport updates.

Digital One: 0171 284 3000