BBC and commercial radio to join forces

A new cross-industry council is to form to secure the future of radio, including driving the digital switchover.

Among the BBC/commercial sector projects the new council will work to establish are a shared online live radio player, multiplatform electronic programme guide and a range of exclusive digital-only content to help boost struggling digital audio broadcasting (DAB) stations.

The Radio Council will initially comprise representatives from the BBC and the UK’s three largest commercial radio groups ��� Global Radio, Bauer Media and GMG Radio, with commercial radio trade body the RadioCentre representing the rest of the commercial sector.

The group will be responsible for driving the medium towards digital switchover, including coverage, devices, platforms and marketing.

Plans for a UK Radio Council were first proposed by the BBC director of audio and music, Tim Davie, in March. The chairmanship of the new body will rotate annually between the BBC and commercial radio each year, with Davie taking charge for its first year.

Davie said: “The partnership between the BBC and commercial radio is crucial to the future of the medium.

“Radio is unique and much-loved, but the media environment is changing and we have to work together to make sure it remains as popular and relevant as ever.”