UTV Media’s national sports radio station talkSPORT has revealed plans for its expansion into Asia, following the recent deal to become global audio partner for UK football’s Premier League.
The group says it hopes to launch 24-hour sports stations on FM in key markets such as Jakarta, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
Speaking at the Radio Asia 2012 Conference in Jakarta, UTV’s Director of Strategy Jimmy Buckland said the talkSPORT team would be working together with leading broadcasters across Asia on the project.
He said: “Asia’s passion for sport and dynamic radio industry makes it the perfect market to replicate talkSPORT’s success in the UK. We are excited about the opportunity to work with partners in Indonesia and across Asia to realise this ambition and look forward to announcing our first new FM radio service showcasing the best of local and international sport.”
Services for India, the Philippines and China are expected to follow.
Last month, UTV Media signed an agreement to partner the Barclays Premier League for the next four football seasons, with rights to broadcast commentaries on all 380 matches each season in English, Spanish and Mandarin outside Europe.
Scott Taunton, Chief Executive of talkSPORT and UTV Media (GB)’s Managing Director, said: “Our expansion into Asia builds on the significant progress the station has made in the UK in establishing itself as the world’s largest sports radio station. Our recent agreement with the Barclays Premier League to become its global audio partner provides the perfect platform for this next stage in our development as we seek to forge a range of exciting partnerships with some of Asia’s leading radio broadcasters.”
Posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 at 10:48 am by RadioToday UK