GCap puts two EPG slots up for sale

GCap Media is inviting bids for two of its slots in Sky's electronic programme guide.

The slots are understood to be "towards the front of the radio section". The number allocated for GCap station theJazz, which has ceased broadcasting, was 0113, and a number of GCap stations directly follow the BBC's in the radio category of the guide.

The company said it was planning a reorganisation of its slots and did not confirm precisely which two are for sale.

GCap, which is in the process of being taken over by Global Radio, is looking to benefit from the growth in demand for EPG slots since Sky closed the EPG launch queue. Broadcasters of existing stations may be willing to pay for more prominent positions in the guide.

"The available slots are ideal for existing broadcasters wishing to take up a more prominent position in the EPG, or for new broadcasters unable to gain access to the EPG due to the current high demand for EPG slots," said Ash Elford, a digital radio executive at GCap.

GCap is asking potential buyers to submit bids for one or both the slots by May 16. They would take over the annual Sky EPG carriage cost of £21,000. GCap is offering to arrange transmission at £25,000 per year.