Former 6Music and Radio 1 boss Ric Blaxill has joined Bauer Radio as a launch consultant, as the group plan to expand its digital radio services. The news was announced on the day GCap announces plans to withdrawal from bespoke national digital services.
While work continues on the launch of Closer Radio, the group is now testing other formats with advertisers and listeners including Q Radio, a service with tied into music magazine Q.
Andria Vidler, MD of Magic 105.4, who is leading the digital development team, said demand from both listeners and advertisers would help shape the launch schedule.
She said: “Bauer Radio is already the number one commercial broadcaster in national digital radio. We have already established strong audiences with our strong brands and are now looking at the next chapter in the growth story of digital radio."
“We are in the fortunate position of owning a cupboard full of brands which will translate into exciting new stations. In some ways the hardest decision is which one shall we do first.”
Blaxill commented: “Working closely with Q Editor Paul Rees we are exploring how we could offer artists a multi-media platform to support their music with live programming, live performance, a new playlist, themed programming to support the magazine, specialist music strands and a mix of music and comedy.”
