Channel 4 and Global considering DAB link-up

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/apr/16/channel4.globalradio

• Channel 4 and Global Radio exploring how to combine their digital radio transmission services
• Global will inherit the first digital audio broadcasting - DAB - multiplex of digital stations with its takeover of GCap Media, Channel 4 leads the consortium that won the Ofcom licence to launch a second multiplex.
• However, Channel 4 is not expected to launch its DAB multiplex for a year and needs to organise the transmission infrastructure, while Global Radio may be looking to fill gaps in its digital radio broadcasting spectrum.
• Global Radio is also preoccupied with the acquisition of GCap Media, which includes taking on the Digital One DAB multiplex.
• Channel 4 and Global are looking at ways of combining the two DAB multiplexes, however, no formal talks have yet taken place and the BBC, also a major DAB player, may be involved in any eventual deal, the FT reported.
• Any deal to combine the two DAB multiplexes would be subject to Ofcom approval.