UBC Media, the UK’s largest independent radio production company, has announced details of a development agreement with Channel 4 to create a radio station from the company’s existing Oneword digital radio station.
In a statement this morning, UBC stated that it had agreed to work with Channel 4, as well as with third party companies, to explore ‘the potential of using Oneword as a transmission platform for a Channel 4 radio station’. The two companies will also develop programming ideas and creative plans for the new station.
Speculation has surrounded Channel 4’s plans for a radio station for some time. Earlier this month reports suggested that the venture would be primarily talk-based, with a limited amount of music programming designed to complement Channel 4’s terrestrial television station and compete directly with BBC Radio 4 .
Commenting on the collaboration between Channel 4 and UBC, Simon Cole, chief executive of the radio group, said: “We recently took 100% control of the Oneword national licence because we believed it is an important asset in the portfolio we have built up since going public 4 years ago. Its importance is confirmed by this development deal which we hope will lead to the creation of the UK’s first bi-media commercial channel. We are looking forward to working with Channel 4 as we take this exciting project forward.”
The initiative is believed to be the brainchild of Channel 4’s recently appointed chairman, Luke Johnson, who is attempting to diversify the broadcaster’s revenue in the face of increasing competition from new digital channels entering the market.
In addition to its deals with UBC, Channel 4 has been the subject of much scrutiny lately, with tentative discussions towards the logistics of a merger with rival terrestrial broadcaster, Five, demonstrating the company’s desire to strengthen their position against competition from multi-channel rivals.
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