Emap Could Join 4Radio Second Multiplex Bid

Emap is apparently in serious discussions with Channel 4 about joining the 4Radio bid for the second national digital multiplex.

According to reports in the trade press, Emap is expected to announce plans to attach one of its magazine titles to the bid.

In December it was rumoured that 4Radio might join with UBC Media and UTV Radio as partners in its bid for the second multiplex (see C4 Radio Could Join With UBC And UTV For Multiplex Bid).

Channel 4 could be in line for extra space from the existing digital capacity after Tessa Jowell, the culture secretary, confirmed that the BBC had agreed in principle to make some of its allocated space available prior to the digital switchover in 2012.

The space would be enough for three radio stations and one television station.

At MediaTel Group’s Future of Radio seminar in November, Nathalie Schwarz, director of radio at Channel 4, outlined the broadcaster’s vision for the second multiplex, saying that a successful bid by the broadcaster would have a positive effect on the radio industry (see Channel 4 Outlines Vision For Second Multiplex).

Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com Emap: 01733 568 900 www.emap.co.uk