Listeners will soon be able to hear to Planet Rock, Jazz FM, Scala Radio and Kerrang! Radio without commercials as part of a new premium subscription service.
The online radio services will offer live radio without ad-breaks for £3.99 per month. Subscribers will also be able to listen to 20 exclusive online radio stations covering various “genres and music moods”. More than 30 on-demand programmes, documentaries, artist interviews and special programming will also be available.
Listeners will also be able to skip up to six tracks per hour online and in the app, even on live radio.
“Radio offers music, discovery and a live experience which is central to its enduring appeal,” said Paul Keenan, President of Audio, Bauer Media Audio.
“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. The combination of the live radio experience, the highest quality curated programming on demand, specialist podcasts and shows, along with new and unique user control is a highly compelling combination.”
Many radio stations have already launched spin-off or ‘brand extension’ channels, such as Magic Soul and Magic Chilled which are available on DAB and online. BBC Radio 1 recently launched Radio 1 Relax as an online-only station.
The new online radio stations announced today will be the first spin-offs from the four digital stations.
Planet Rock Premium, Jazz FM Premium, Scala Radio Premium and Kerrang! Radio Premium will be available online, in app and through supported smart speakers. Listeners can sign up for a free seven-day trial followed by a payment of £3.99 a month.
More details will be available on the websites for each station.