Virgin Radio Unveils Standalone Web Stations

Virgin Radio is set to launch four new online stations targeting different strands of listeners. The first – Virgin Radio Classic – will be unveiled this week offering an “undiluted” 24-hour selection of classic rock artists from the Virgin Radio playlist.

Before Christmas Virgin Radio Lite will also launch, targeting a pop audience; Virgin Radio Modern will offer new rock and pop and Virgin Radio Wheels of Steel will play disco music and 80’s rock tunes. Each of the new channels will be accessible via the Virgin Radio homepage at www.virginradio.co.uk.

Lee Roberts, commercial development director at SMG Radio, said: “Virgin Radio is the world’s largest internet radio station and we seek to grow this audience further by offering the core elements of Virgin radio as stand-alone radio brands.”

The group was one of the first to launch separate branding for its online users (see Virgin Launches Separate Branding For Online Radio Stream) and netted 10 internet-only advertisers within a fortnight (see Virgin Radio Nets First Online Advertisers). Virgin Radio Classic itself is to be sponsored by online music portal, Music365.

October saw the launch of Chrysalis’ personalised internet radio station, puremix.com (see Chrysalis Launches UK’s First Personalised Music Radio Service) and highly-targeted web-based offerings are in the pipeline from Capital (see Capital Buys Beat 106, Announces Online Plans).

Virgin Radio: 020 7434 1215