Media
Arqiva buys national digital radio multiplex
Published Tuesday, Apr 7 2009, 12:36 BST | By James Welsh
Arqiva has acquired Global Radio's 63% stake in national DAB digital radio multiplex Digital One.
The transmission company, which already owned the other 37%, is understood to have taken control of the multiplex for a nominal fee in return for a cut in the amount Global pays for carriage.
"Digital One has always played a leading role in the development of DAB and in stimulating the market for DAB receivers in the UK," said Arqiva director of radio Paul Eaton. "As an independent operator, Arqiva is in a good position to realise the full potential of the multiplex and encourage new services to launch on the DAB digital radio platform. We believe in the long-term future of DAB, and this deal with Global extends both of our companies' commitments to digital radio well into the future."
In January, Digital One announced that it would cut the amount it charges stations to be carried on the multiplex. At present, Digital One carries five services: Classic FM, Planet Rock, Talk Sport, Absolute Radio and a stream of birdsong.
The transmission company, which already owned the other 37%, is understood to have taken control of the multiplex for a nominal fee in return for a cut in the amount Global pays for carriage.
"Digital One has always played a leading role in the development of DAB and in stimulating the market for DAB receivers in the UK," said Arqiva director of radio Paul Eaton. "As an independent operator, Arqiva is in a good position to realise the full potential of the multiplex and encourage new services to launch on the DAB digital radio platform. We believe in the long-term future of DAB, and this deal with Global extends both of our companies' commitments to digital radio well into the future."
In January, Digital One announced that it would cut the amount it charges stations to be carried on the multiplex. At present, Digital One carries five services: Classic FM, Planet Rock, Talk Sport, Absolute Radio and a stream of birdsong.
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