Guardian Group To Launch Radio Brand On The Web

The Guardian Media Group has announced plans to launch the first 24-hour “internet-only” radio station in the UK. The group’s Variety brand will broadcast on the web ahead of its formal applications for the West Midlands and Yorkshire analogue licences.

The group began trials of its Variety FM brand in the Selby area this month (see Guardian Media Group Plans Yorkshire Radio Bid). Applications for the analogue licence in this area and in the West Midlands will be advertised later this year. By streaming live programmes over the internet listeners and advertisers will be given the chance to hear the service before a formal application is made.

Due to launch in March, the site will stream live programmes including a phone-in, sports show, and arts and entertainment features. A mixture of rolling national and regional news will be combined with music and speech content.

Managing director of GMG radio John Myers said: “This initiative clearly demonstrates our commitment to both regions and underlies the seriousness of our applications. It is important to us that regional radio offers something different and now internet users can sample our output at their leisure ahead of our formal applications.”

Guardian Radio: 07768 186989