Global Traffic Network has out-bid Trafficlink for the multi-million pound contract to supply traffic and travel information to the Highways Agency's Traffic Radio.
Traffic Radio broadcasts via various short-term analogue licences, on DAB digital multiplexes around England, and online. GTN will take-over the contract from July 1st.
Global Traffic Network is already a major player in Australia and Canada, and has recently entered the UK market by providing traffic news to JACK fm and UKRD stations. GTN UK were working on the acquisition of a major UK competitor earlier this year, but today's news suggests their attention will now be turned to winning new contracts instead. It is thought that this deal should pay for much of the infrastructure necessary for GTN to offer traffic reporting services to other radio stations throughout the United Kingdom.
Paul Hutton is the managing director of GTN UK and is happy with the deal: "We are thrilled to have been chosen to run this service having proved ourselves in a tough tender process to be the best option when considering quality, expertise and cost."
GTN will be working with digital radio specialists Folder Media and technology experts All In Media (AIM) to deliver the service. Folder Media will manage the distribution of the service across all analogue and digital platforms, while AIM will create the audio distribution and playout that drives this innovative radio service.
Matt Deegan from Folder Media will be in charge of managing the broadcasts of Traffic Radio: "This is a truly cross-platform radio station that will reach listeners on DAB Digital Radio, Online and on FM and AM at traffic hotspots. It’s a pleasure to be working with GTN, who, like us, are true radio people”.
