Queen guitarist Brian May is launching a bid to save Planet Rock, the national digital radio station due to be axed by GCap.
Posting on his website, May states he is involved in a bid with several other individuals: "I can't tell you who I'm in league with, but I am part of a small group of people who have great hopes that we will succeed in taking over the station, and putting it on a firm footing, for the benefit of its growing audience."
May believes that DAB radio has had a "brave start" and can "provide freedom from domination by commercially minded programming."
"I regard Planet Rock as rather more than just a radio station – it is a symbol of free radio; radio which is not run by large corporate organisations for the purpose of making tons of money, and has a free choice of what it plays."
"I believe this cause is worth supporting, and will be doing my best to put my money and expertise where my mouth is."
Last week's RAJAR figures reported that Planet Rock currently has 563,000 listeners every week, and last month received three nominations for the Sony awards which will be announced next week.
GCap has given any prospective bidders until the end of the month to make a formal offer for Planet Rock
