New partnership for British radio

The BBC and commercial radio groups have agreed to form a new partnership body designed to push forward new projects.

The Radio Council will initially be made up of the BBC, Global Radio, Bauer Media, GMG and trade body RadioCentre, and will push forward as its top three priorities the development of: an open platform for the streaming of live UK radio in one player; a common user interface and electronic programme guide for radio across all digital platforms; and a calendar of exclusive digital-only content for DAB Digital Radio listeners.

"The partnership between the BBC and Commercial Radio is crucial to the future of the medium," said the BBC's Tim Davie, who will chair the council for the first year. "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."

All projects pushed forward by the Council will be subject to the usual approval procedure involving the BBC Trust and RadioCentre prior to launch.

"This exciting new initiative kick-starts our collective approach to ensuring radio is at the heart of Digital Britain," said RadioCentre's Andrew Harrison. "We will of course remain competitors for listeners with the BBC, and RadioCentre will continue to lobby for the commercial and regulatory freedom to compete on level terms, but today we recognise that we need to work together in a new partnership to deliver a thriving radio sector for listeners."