GCap Media Could Launch Pay Radio

GCap Media could launch a commercial-free version of its Classic FM station on a digital frequency, charging listeners a subscription fee, according to chief executive Ralph Bernard, who was speaking to the Independent On Sunday.

Mobile phone or online radio listeners would also be able to download or “podcast” premium content from other stations for a fee, he added. Bernard also said the group was looking at forming partnerships with other media companies such as ITV to launch new interactive services.

GCap has already struck a deal with the BBC that allows the Corporation to broadcast certain programmes. Bernard told the newspaper that other money making opportunities could include GCap charging for podcasts of shows, or for specialist content.

GCap would become the first mass-market UK radio group to offer “pay radio”. Unlike in television, where broadcasters such as BSkyB already charge a subscription, mainstream UK radio has always been free to air.

Later this year, BT will launch its Movio service in partnership with GCap. This will allow users to listen to digital radio on a mobile phone for the first time.

GCap recently installed a ‘two-ad policy’ as a response to falling revenues (see Planet Rock To Adopt ‘Two Ad’ Policy). The company has also recently recruited a string of celebrity presenters for its various stations, including Alice Cooper for Planet Rock and Richard E Grant for Classic FM (see Richard E Grant To Present New Classic FM Show).

GCap Media: 0207 663 7000 www.gcapmedia.com