Channel 4 to unveil plans for move into radio

by Staff, Brand Republic 05-Jun-06, 09:00

LONDON - Channel 4 is set to unveil details of its launch into radio today, with a strategy of promoting individual programmes rather than pushing the station as a whole.

According to a report in The Times, the broadcaster plans to make all its radio content available online at channel4radio.com, and will initially broadcast programming that ties in with its existing content.

Internet radio stations do not need a licence to broadcast in the way that digital and analogue stations do, freeing up Channel 4's offering from the programming restrictions faced by other commercial stations.

This is seen as a threat to other commercial stations, although it has not prevented Channel 4 from entering discussions with other broadcasters about bidding for a second block of digital frequencies.

Channel 4 already has an interest in digital radio, since it bought a controlling stake in the national digital talk radio station Oneword in April 2005. However, it is believed that this station will only form a small part in Channel 4's radio plans and that it will not be rebranded.

In January, Channel 4 hired Nathalie Schwarz, Capital Radio's former strategy and development director, to head its digital radio push.

At the time, Andy Duncan, chief executive of Channel 4, outlined plans to offer something new in the form of an alternative to the BBC in news, current affairs, entertainment, lifestyle, music and comedy.

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