Bauer lines up Q Radio relaunch date

by Emma Barnett Media Week 27-Mar-08, 15:38

LONDON - Bauer Radio has confirmed it will relaunch Q Radio on 2 June as part of a multi-million pound investment in its brands.

Q Radio, currently available via Freeview, will be rolled out nationally across satellite, cable and online. The launch follows predecessor Emap Radio’s launch of Heat Radio last September.

Ric Blaxhill, former BBC Radio 6Music head of programmes, was hired at the beginning of February as a consultant to help prepare the station for launch. He has been working with the Q magazine editorial team, led by editor Paul Rees, to create the station’s content.

Dee Ford, Bauer Radio Group managing director, said the station would be the “benchmark” for the music world.

Karen Stacey, Bauer Advertising Broadcast sales director, added: “We have told advertisers that if they come in early with us on this, we will make the programmes with them, even down to choosing the presenters.”

Meanwhile, Bauer Radio has unveiled plans to spend £10m on a major marketing push for its dance music radio station, Kiss, and on its northern stations, known collectively as the Big City Network.

Bauer Radio, formerly Emap Radio, was acquired from Emap Communications in January, as part of a £1.1bn deal that also included Emap's consumer magazine brands.