14 Apr 2010 07:00
14 April 2010, London
UBC Media Group plc
('UBC Media' or the 'Company')
UBC announces launch of radio sales network using iPhone applications
UBC Media Group plc ("UBC") is pleased today to announce the signing of agreements with the radio division of UTV plc ("UTV") for the supply of iPhone 'Apps' to UTV's 14 UK radio stations, including the national 'talkSPORT' station and the formation of a new iPhone advertising network which UBC will operate.
UBC's software division, Unique Interactive ("UI") is developing and supplying iPhone and other mobile platform applications ("Apps") to radio clients for free in return for selling advertising space within the applications. Revenue from the advertising, which is being sold by the 'Lynx Content' internet advertising business acquired by UBC last year, is then shared between UBC and the radio station client.
The purpose-built Apps will allow users to listen to their radio station wherever they have wifi or a mobile signal, but importantly will also provide a wide range of additional features for them to enjoy such as instant programme reminders, listen again and social network interaction.
The advertising network will launch in April with an App for talkSPORT as they build up to the World Cup, other UTV stations will follow over the following weeks and UBC expects to announce further stations joining the new network over the Summer.
UBC has experience in the development of advertiser network projects in commercial radio. In 2000 it began to develop a network providing traffic and travel news to the UK radio industry; a business it sold in 2009 to American company Global Traffic Networks for £10.9m in cash.
Simon Cole, Chief Executive of UBC said: "This is the start of what should become an important source of revenue for UBC. The iPhone is creating an important listening platform for radio and a viable platform for mobile advertising. Last week's announcement by Apple that it intends to get into the sale of advertising on iPhone Apps itself later this year will add momentum to what is a fast developing market."
Moz Dee, Programme Director of talkSPORT commented: "Together with UBC we've created a fun, good-looking product that I'm positive sports fans will respond to."
Calum Macauley, Group Programme Director of UTV's Radio Division commented: "Launching our local station s onto a new platform gives us the opportunity to extend our reach across our TSAs. On the back of our recent website re-launches it makes perfect sense to push out new content out to a wider audience."
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Notes to Editors
About UBC Media GroupUBC is the market leader in the supply of audio content to the radio industry in the UK. The Company is the largest independent producer of radio programming for the BBC and a provider of entertainment programming to commercial stations throughout the UK. Its software division, Unique Interactive, is a global supplier of digital radio text and data services. The Company is also part of the MXR Digital Radio Multiplex consortium.
About Unique InteractiveUnique Interactive are a division of UBC Media Group plc, a UK public company quoted on the London Stock Exchange. Founded in 1999, Unique Interactive leads the field in Digital Broadcast Data Services supplying standard and bespoke products, services and consulting to broadcasters worldwide. Specialising in over-the-air data services, Unique Interactive supplies systems that integrate with existing broadcast technology adding extra value for consumers, and creating solid revenue opportunities for broadcasters. We currently supply DLS Display Text and Electronic Programme Guide services to a number of UK and US radio groups. As a market leader in broadcast data service provision and an innovator in a new and emerging field of Interactive Radio, Unique Interactive has been involved with a number of high-profile industry consultancy projects.
About Lynx ContentLynx Content are a division of UBC Media Group plc, a UK public company quoted on the London Stock Exchange. Founded in 1988 and acquired by UBC Media Group in August 2009, Lynx Content are experts at using radio, online and mobile content to allow brands to reach consumers in compelling and cost effective ways. They are behind some of the largest radio campaigns in the UK and the most clicked video content on the web.
About UTV Media (GB)
UTV Media (GB) comprises of talkSPORT, the UK's only national commercial speech radio station, 13 independent radio stations and stakes in eight of the UK's digital radio multiplexes. In June 2008 UTV Media (GB) launched talkSPORT Magazine, a weekly digital magazine and in June 2009 it acquired Sport, the free weekly magazine distributed across London's tube and mainline stations every Friday.
Enquiries
| UBC Media Group plc | Tel: 020 7453 1600 |
| Simon Blackmore, Group Operations Director |
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| Seymour Pierce Limited | Tel: 020 7107 8000 |
| Mark Percy |
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