Will Channel 4 Radio ever go live? Good question. Well, media regulator OfCom yesterday gave the 4Digital Group permission to delay its long awaited much postponed launch of a second national digital radio network until as late as next year. According to Mediaweek, the latest delays in getting the new digital service live come amid negotiations between 4Digital and the new owners of GCap, who own half of the other national digital radio network Digital One. New GCap owners Global Radio are said to be considering some kind of partnership with Channel 4 in a bid to make their combined DAB services more viable.
Confirming they had given permission for the launch of C4 Radio to slip, an Ofcom spokesman told Mediaweek: "Ofcom has allowed 4 Digital Group to delay the launch of its national radio multiplex licence beyond the original July 2008 launch date. However, Ofcom has not yet agreed a revised launch date and has asked 4Digital Group to provide updated plans, including new timings, by the end of the summer for Ofcom's approval".
Channel 4 declined to comment.