Channel 4 launches internet radio service

Channel 4 has launched Channel 4 Radio as part of its drive to become a major force in radio.

The broadcaster is taking advantage of an absence of regulation that allows internet radio stations to broadcast without the licence required by digital and analogue stations.

It eventually hopes to also establish a series of digital radio stations.

Online listeners can now stream and download programs that centre on the broadcaster's existing TV content.

A 30-minute daily news bulletin, produced by the Channel 4 News team at ITN, will be available to download every morning, along with TV programs from Channel 4's existing stable such as Richard and Judy, Lost and Big Brother.

In addition the broadcaster will also commission original material across a range of genres.

Ex-Controller of Radio 2 Jim Moir has been appointed to act as a consultant for the push into the UK radio sector.

Channel 4's move into radio could mount a significant challenge to the BBC and commercial radio operators.

Despite this however, Channel 4 has begun discussions with other broadcasters about bidding for a block of commercial digital radio frequencies, known as a multiplex, that are expected to be offered commercially in the UK by the end of the year.

Plans are also afoot to launch an interactive radio service later in the year where listeners will be able to construct their own music radio station from scratch from the Channel 4 Radio website.

The broadcaster's majority-owned digital station Oneword will collaborate on this new form of radio station.

Speaking at today's launch, Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan, said: "We see this launch as the next step towards our stated ambition of building a presence in UK radio, in support of our strategy of offering public service competition to the BBC across all major media.

"Commercial radio needs an injection of fresh thinking. We're confident that the strength of the talent we can bring to radio, the experience of the radio team we're building and our unique creative approach is a powerful combination that will ultimately enhance commercial radio in the UK."

Nathalie Schwarz, director of radio, added: "Our ambition is to secure digital radio licences and launch 4-branded radio stations. We believe there is a gap for us in the market - a chance to bring Channel 4's spirit of innovation and risk-taking to radio, to extend the range of programming on offer, bring new advertisers to the medium and help strengthen the UK commercial radio sector, which is struggling to compete effectively with the BBC.

"We are not waiting to bid for new national digital licences, but pushing ahead with ambitious plans to create a major new stream of audio content for listeners online."

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