Virgin Radio launches on Freeview on Tuesday 18 July, on channel 727.
Virgin Radio launched on April 30th 1993, at 12.15pm. In keeping with tradition, the station will launch on Freeview also at 12.15pm. Fru Hazlitt, Virgin Radio’s CEO said: ‘In order to achieve maximum growth it is critical that Virgin Radio is accessible across every available platform so I’m pleased to announce the launch of Virgin Radio on Freeview in conjunction with YooMedia. This will extend our reach to millions of Freeview customers and is another example of our commitment to high-quality radio across multiple platforms.’
The station has signed a multi-year agreement with YooMedia, the AIM-traded interactive content and services provider. Under the agreement Virgin Radio will be available to over seven million homes with Freeview set top boxes in the UK. YooMedia and Virgin Radio will also jointly explore value-added interactive services for delivery alongside Virgin Radio programming.
YooMedia’s Group Managing Director Neil MacDonald said: ‘With nearly 44 million people in the UK tuning in each week to various radio services, radio cannot be ignored. We are therefore delighted to be working with Virgin Radio to deliver some of the best available rock and pop content to millions of Freeview homes.’
The station will be available nationwide on Freeview, on multiplex C, operated by National Grid Wireless. You can also tune in on DAB Digital Radio, Sky channel 0107, Telewest, NTL, and the internet.
The station was the first to broadcast on Sky, and the first in Europe to broadcast 24-hours on the internet.
Freeview viewers should be prompted to rescan their boxes after launch; owners of old OnDigital boxes should perform a manual rescan.