Kerrang! Launches Digital Station In West Midlands

Emap Performance is expanding its Kerrang! brand into the West Midlands with the launch of a new digital radio station early next year.

The Kerrang! DAB service will act as an appetiser to rock music fans in advance of the launch of the first Kerrang! FM radio station, which goes on air in the West Midlands in mid-2004 (see Kerrang! To Rock West Midlands).

It will broadcast across the MXR West Midlands regional multiplexes, reaching a potential audience of 3.3 million adults across the regions, which include Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry.

Commenting on the launch of the new station, Tim Schoonmaker, chief executive of Emap Performance, said: “Giving Kerrang! digital radio to the West Midlands is our Christmas present to all the rock music fans in the region who supported our bid for the West Midlands FM licence.”

Diane Wray, marketing director of MXR, added: “Station choice is the main reason cited for purchase of DAB digital radios, so adding Kerrang! to MXR services in the West Midlands is great news for the consumer and DAB digital radio.”

Kerrang! is already available on DAB radio in London, online and nationwide via the digital terrestrial television service Freeview. The latest RAJAR figures for the three months to September show that 864,000 people a week tune into the station.

Emap recently revealed the launch team for Kerrang! radio in the West Midlands. The Birmingham based team will include Lynne Wood, who is to become managing director of the new rock station, which will broadcast a mix of national and specially produced local shows (see Kerrang Reveals Management Team In The West Midlands).

Emap: 01733 568 900 www.emap.co.uk

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