Channel 4 wins digital radio licence

The 4 Digital Group, a consortium headed by the broadcaster and featuring Emap, UTV, Sky, Chrysalis, Carphone Warehouse and UBC, has been awarded a licence to run a new digital multiplex by Ofcom.

That means it can broadcast digital stations nationwide, competing with the current stations run by the BBC as well as commercial stations such as talkSPORT and Classic FM.

Today's licence award is part of Ofcom's DAB licensing programme which will lead to a significant expansion in both national and local digital radio services over the next three years.

By the closing date of 28 March 2007, Ofcom received two applications for the national multiplex licence, which starts in 2008 and lasts for 12 years.

Ed Richards, Ofcom Chief Executive, said: "Today's licence award is an important development for radio listeners who will benefit from a greater variety of commercial national radio services."

"The award will give a real boost to the DAB platform, which we believe will form the cornerstone of radio provision in the future."

Commenting on the success of the consortium's bid, Nathalie Schwarz, who is Chair of 4 Digital Group and also Channel 4's Director of Radio, said:

"From the start of this process we were confident that the strength of our consortium partners combined with our proposed line up of distinctive radio stations and content offered a genuine extension of choice for UK listeners and the best chance to drive forward the take-up of digital radio in the UK. We are delighted that Ofcom has recognised the strength of our bid with the award of this licence and given us the opportunity to turn our plans into reality.

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