CSC Media Group is planning to launch a new music channel called Flava on digital satellite.

The service, playing R'n'B, hip hop, garage and drum and bass, will begin on channel 357 at the end of the month.

It coincides with moves by CSC, formerly Chart Show Channels, to open social networking websites for to its brands. Welovebliss.com launched last week while Flava and Popgirl sites will begin shortly.

Chief executive David Docherty said Flava "provides the biggest and best selection of videos from the likes of 50 Cent, Wu Tang Clan, Tupac and Timbaland".

He added: "We want to have dedicated music entertainment based social networks for key music genres. But we want to build beyond the UK and channel support sites.

"We want Scuzz (CSC's rock channel) to be as relevant to metal fans in Stockholm, Sweden as it is in Stockholm, New Jersey."