Business News Digital Media

Bauer launches premium music radio service

By Andy Malt | Published on Thursday 6 May 2021

Bauer Media has revealed that it is “reinventing radio for music-lovers”. How? Well, it’s going to let you pay to listen to the radio. Just like you always wanted.

For just £3.99 a month, you’ll get access to 20 spin-off channels from the company’s existing stations Scala Radio, Jazz FM, Planet Rock and Kerrang! Radio. As well as that, there’ll be on-demand access to over 30 shows from each brand, including exclusive documentaries and artist interviews.

All the stations will air without any ad breaks, plus – and I think this is the “reinvention” bit – you’ll be able to skip six tracks per hour when listening through the service’s apps or web player, even on live radio. Although, if you’re listening to a station that plays six tracks per hour that you hate enough to skip, you might want to think about listening to something else anyway.

“Radio offers music, discovery and a live experience which is central to its enduring appeal”, says Bauer Media Audio President Paul Keenan. “We have seen how particularly in the last year, listeners turned to radio to stay informed, to escape, be entertained and maintain a connection to the outside world”.

“This innovation of premium subscription services responds to insight which identified a desire from music super fans – enormously enthusiastic about their favourite radio brands and broadcast radio – to further explore their music passions”, he goes on. “The combination of the live radio experience, the highest quality curated programming on demand, and shows, along with new and unique user control is a highly compelling combination”.

The service is available now and offers a seven day free trial. More info here.