29 Nov 2010 07:00
29 November 2010
UBC Media Group plc
Contract win in Canada
UBC announces contract with Canada's largest radio group, Astral Radio, to join 'App' network
UBC Media Group is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with Orbyt Media, a division of one of Canada's leading media companies Astral Radio, to provide mobile applications ("Apps") for all Astral's radio stations.
The applications, part of a strategy at UBC to develop advertiser supported mobile App networks for the radio industry, will allow mobile streaming across the entire Astral Radio portfolio of 83 radio stations in Canada. Listeners will also be able to enter contests, share events via the social network of their choice and stream on-demand content. The app will provide now playing information, a platform to discover new music, links to purchase music tracks and the ability for a user to interact directly with on-air talent.
This three-year agreement will see UBC create versions of the App in a variety of languages to match Astral's portfolio of stations, which include leading brands like NRJ and Virgin Radio.
Simon Cole, Chief executive of UBC commented:
"This deal demonstrates again our ability to leverage our traditional skills and relationships to create new opportunities in the key business area of mobile content and interactivity. We will, by the middle of next year, have an established network of mobile applications linked to radio stations in the UK and Canada. We are already seeing how revenues can be driven from our early UK radio apps and believe this platform to be a vital part of our future growth."
Rob Farina, Executive VP, Content and Platforms for Astral Radio commented:
"We are thrilled to add mobility to our comprehensive interactive offerings. These new mobile applications will allow us to deliver a rich digital content offering integrated with a deep social media platform. It will create an engaging and distinctive experience that will enhance the value of our offering to consumers and advertisers. The rollout of these exciting applications will be a game-changer from a user experience standpoint across all our platforms."
Enquiries:
UBC Media Group | 020 7453 1600 |
Simon Cole, Chief Executive | |
John Falcon, Finance Director | |
Seymour Pierce | 020 7107 8000 |
Sarah Jacobs, Corporate Finance | |
David Banks, Corporate Broking |
Notes to Editors
About UBC Media Group
UBC is quoted on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market. UBC is a leading provider of digital content, software and mobile applications. The Group is the largest independent producer of radio programming for the BBC and a provider of entertainment programming to commercial radio stations throughout the UK. Its software division, Unique Interactive, is a global supplier of digital radio text and data services.
www.ubcmedia.com
About Astral
Astral Radio operates 83 licensed radio stations in eight Canadian provinces. Orbyt Media is Canada's premiere content syndication group, providing the most comprehensive line up of programmes and broadcast services to over 260 stations across the country. Astral Radio and Orbyt Media are divisions of Astral Media Inc., a leading Canadian media company, active in specialty and pay television, radio, outdoor advertising and interactive media. Astral Media's solid and dynamic presence in Canada's major markets rests on its commitment to offer a unique blend of high-quality, targeted media to all of its audiences.
www.astral.com