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E4 Radio to be first new network | |
(about 13 hours later) | |
Channel 4 is to launch a spin-off from its TV network E4 as its first digital radio station after winning the right to broadcast 10 new services. | |
E4 Radio will combine entertainment and music when it goes on-air in July 2008, aimed at listeners aged 15 to 29. | |
Another station, Channel 4 Radio, is expected to provide an alternative to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, while Pure4, will be for "music lovers". | |
The 4 Digital Group said it wanted to provide competition for the BBC. | |
The consortium sees Channel 4 joining with Sky News, publisher Emap, Virgin Radio, Walt Disney and The Carphone Warehouse. | |
It has been awarded the second UK national digital radio licence, overcoming a rival bid from National Grid Wireless. | |
"We genuinely believe Channel 4 can add a fresh perspective to radio in the UK while extending choice for listeners," said Natalie Schwarz, the director of radio at Channel 4. | |
She also promised to work with the company's partners to promote digital radio and "drive consumer take-up". | |
Podcast service | Podcast service |
Channel 4 will run three of the stations itself but will launch them one at a time rather than all at once, a spokeswoman said. | |
The 4 Digital Group has promised to actively promote DAB digital radioChannel 4 Radio would be second in line a few months after E4 Radio, with Pure4 third, she added. | |
The other seven networks will include a station for children run by Walt Disney and one based on Closer magazine, which will be aimed at women. | |
It is intended that these seven go on-air at the same time as E4 Radio, a year from now, the spokeswoman said. | |
In addition to the live radio stations, the consortium will provide podcasts from at least nine providers, expected to include the Financial Times newspaper. | |
Podcasts are pre-recorded programmes designed to be downloaded to an MP3 digital music player. | Podcasts are pre-recorded programmes designed to be downloaded to an MP3 digital music player. |
There will also be services designed specifically for mobile phones, Channel 4 said. | There will also be services designed specifically for mobile phones, Channel 4 said. |
"We know how much our customers love listening to music on their mobile phones," said Charles Dunstone, chief executive of The Carphone Warehouse. | "We know how much our customers love listening to music on their mobile phones," said Charles Dunstone, chief executive of The Carphone Warehouse. |
"With the new licence we're looking forward to bringing them radio in a new and brilliant format." | "With the new licence we're looking forward to bringing them radio in a new and brilliant format." |