UK Set To Receive Fourth National Radio Station

The UK looks set to receive its fourth national commercial radio station as Isle of Mann International Broadcasting, backed by 80s keyboard supremo Rick Wakeman, prepares to launch a music-based offering early next year.

The station, provisionally entitled MusicMann 279, will target 25 to 55 year old female listeners across the UK and Ireland on 279 long wave. It will also be broadcast around the world via satellite, through the internet and on some digital radio and television platforms.

It is understood that the company, which is backed by Rick Wakeman and Gene Pitney, has won permission to launch a national station and is aiming to raise £13m to further its cause in a subscription offer, before floating on AIM next year.
The company’s website claims that the project has already suffered significant setbacks due to a series of legal actions over planning applications. However, IMIB now claims to have secured all the necessary permissions to proceed.

Both Virgin Radio and Kelvin Mackenzie’s Wireless Group are understood to be in talks with the broadcaster over handling the new station’s advertising sales, although no official confirmation has been made and a total of five radio groups are understood to be in talks surrounding a deal.

If the station becomes a reality it will find itself competing with established long wave brands such as talkSPORT, Classic FM and Virgin Radio, all of which attract millions listeners each week.

Isle of Mann International Broadcasting: 01624 818 151 www.longwaveradio.com

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