UK’s First 24-Hour Sports Station Set To Launch

Digital One has confirmed a deal with Talk Radio which will lead to the launch of the UK’s first 24-hour sports station. The Digital One consortium, run by GWR and NTL, is the UK’s sole national commercial digital radio multiplex, launching in the fourth quarter of this year. Talk’s sports channel will follow in January 2000.

The station – to be called Talk Sport – will be an expanded version of Talk Radio’s internet sports station at www.talksport.net, which currently broadcasts an almost 24-hour service of sports news, debate and chat. The new digital station will replace this service and expand it with exclusive rights deals recently gained by Talk. These include contracts for European games played by Manchester United and Newcastle United, the FA Cup and the Rugby World Cup (see Talk Radio Clinches Three Sponsorship Deals). The station is believed to be investing £6m in the venture.

Commenting on the venture, Digital One chief executive Quentin Howard said: “Talk Radio’s new dedicated sports channel will provide sports fans with the choice they’ve been waiting for.”

The sports station will be one of seven new channels to launch when Digital One becomes the first commercial digital radio multiplex to go into operation. Negotiations are still ongoing with operators for the other six channels which are to include an arts, books and comedy station, a classic rock station and a teenager’s channel. Talk Radio and Classic FM will also simulcast their existing analogue services on the platform.

Separately, Talk Radio has brought in left-wing politician and broadcaster, Derek Hatton, to host the station’s mid-morning programme, from 9am to 12pm. He replaces Scott Chisholm who has returned to work at his media training and management company, Media Counsellors.

Digital One: 0171 518 2620 Talk Radio: 0171 636 1089