British production firm UBC Media has won a contract to provide mobile phone applications for a group of 83 radio stations in Canada.
The deal with Orbyt Media, a division of Astral Radio, is part of UBC's strategy to develop advertiser-supported app networks for the industry.
The apps will allow mobile streaming across the entire Astral Radio portfolio of 83 radio stations in Canada, which includes NRJ and Virgin Radio. Listeners will also be able to enter contests, share events via the social network of their choice and stream on-demand content. The app will provide now playing information, a platform to discover new music, links to purchase music tracks and the ability for a user to interact directly with on-air talent.
Simon Cole, Chief Executive of UBC told RadioToday.co.uk: "This deal demonstrates again our ability to leverage our traditional skills and relationships to create new opportunities in the key business area of mobile content and interactivity. We will, by the middle of next year, have an established network of mobile applications linked to radio stations in the UK and Canada. We are already seeing how revenues can be driven from our early UK radio apps and believe this platform to be a vital part of our future growth."
Rob Farina, Executive VP, Content and Platforms for Astral Radio added: "We are thrilled to add mobility to our comprehensive interactive offerings. These new mobile applications will allow us to deliver a rich digital content offering integrated with a deep social media platform. It will create an engaging and distinctive experience that will enhance the value of our offering to consumers and advertisers. The rollout of these exciting applications will be a game-changer from a user experience standpoint across all our platforms."