Gervais show to trail NME Radio launch

A new radio show from Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington will trail the June 24 launch of NME Radio.

Test transmissions will begin on June 2 with the two-hour Gervais show airing daily from June 9, the station announced today.

NME Radio will be a "presenter driven 24/7 alternative music service" broadcasting on digital satellite, Virgin Media's cable service, the internet and in some areas on DAB.

The show from Gervais and his colleagues, whose occasional podcasts have proved very popular in recent years, will raise awareness of the new station and encourage people to find a way to listen.

NME Radio managing director Sammy Jacob recalled working with Gervais and Merchant during their time at Xfm, which he founded.

"I used to bury myself hearing Ricky and Steve on air in 1997 fearing we would lose our licence each time they went on," he said. "Having Karl on board has only made matters worse. I look forward to some compelling radio."

The station - operated by DX Media under licence from IPC Media - is also looking at transmitting on FM around specific events under restricted service licences, which allow broadcasting in very small areas for short periods of time.

NME Radio will be increasingly available on DAB as local multiplexes are launched. For example, it is expected to be carried in Surrey and Northern Sussex from July next year.