UBC Announces Plans For Radio With Channel 4
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 (see Channel 4 Plans To Launch National Talk Radio Station).
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.
Earlier this year Channel 4 announced plans to launch a raft of new digital channels in efforts to corner specialist markets and increase its overall audience share. The broadcaster is understood to be planning stations focusing on music, factual and comedy programming, as well as the much anticipated More 4, due to launch later this year on the Freeview platform (see Channel 4 Planning Raft Of Digital Channels).
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 (see Television Bosses Set To Hold Further Merger Talks).
Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com UBC Media Group: 020 7453 16001 www.ubcmedia.comRecent Radio Stories from NewsLine Radio Festival Puts Spotlight On Advertising To Over Fifties Capital Spins Sponsorship Deal With Woolworths Television Will Lead Switch To Digital Radio
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