7DIG.L Regulatory News (7DIG)

11 Apr 2008 07:01

UBC Media Group PLC11 April 2008 UBC MEDIA GROUP PLC UBC Media software division appointed to develop Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) for US Digital Radio Market Friday 11 April 2008 UBC Media (UBC:L) today announced that its wholly-owned software subsidiary,Unique Interactive, has been appointed as part of a consortium by the NationalAssociation of Broadcasters in the United States to develop the businessrequirements, system architecture and specification of an Electronic ProgrammeGuide (EPG) suited to the terrestrial digital radio system in the United States,known as "HD Radio". Project work has already begun in the US, with earlyresults expected by this summer. The overall objective is to establish a framework that will help guide thedevelopment of a service bureau to support the radio industry with EPG services.This is very similar to the action currently being undertaken in the DAB digitalradio market outside the US. Unique's EPG Management software collates programme schedule information such asthe name of the show and the presenter, as well as additional programme detailsand sends it for broadcast and display on radio receivers. This technologyenables broadcasters to manage and update EPG data for their radio services andmeans that listeners are able to see detailed programme information about theirstation up to a week in advance on EPG enabled radios. Simon Cole. CEO of UBC Media Group commented: "We have always seen the leading position we have built in the DAB digital radiomarket as a springboard to allow us to develop significant business overseas incountries where the digital technology is more nascent. This contract issignificant in that it is being awarded by the association that represents theentire terrestrial radio industry in the USA. "Unique Interactive already has contracts in the US satellite digital radioindustry and this year, more than 70% of our software revenues will come fromthe USA. Over the last four years, we have successfully used the UK's lead indigital radio to create an international market for our products". ENDS Enquiries: Simon Cole, CEO UBC Media Group: 020 7453 1600 or simon.cole@ubcmedia.com Verity Williams, Portland for UBC Media: 020 7404 5344 or verity.williams@portlandpr.co.uk Sarah Jacobs, Seymour Pierce: 020 7107 8008 About UBC Media Group UBC is quoted on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market. The Group is the marketleader in the supply of audio content and broadcast data software to the radioindustry in the UK. In addition to the entertainment, traffic & travel andnational news services provided to commercial radio, the Group is the largestindependent producer of radio programming for the BBC and the UK's leadingsupplier of digital radio scrolling text and EPG software. It is also part ofthe MXR Regional Multiplex consortium and the 4Digital National Multiplexconsortium. www.ubcmedia.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange