2nd Nov 2006 07:02
UBC Media Group PLC02 November 2006 UBC Media uses UK lead in digital radio to forge export markets Taking advantage of the UK's global lead in digital radio, UBC is pleased toannounce an important deal in the emerging Australian digital radio market. Australia has now committed to the roll out of DAB Digital Radio over the next14 months. This week, Commercial Radio Australia, the organisation leadingcommercial radio's digital push, have announced that they will use UBCsubsidiary Unique Interactive's Electronic Program Guide service during thedigital radio trial in Sydney, a key component of the multimillion dollarrollout of digital radio across Australia. The service will use Unique Interactive's proprietary EPG data managementsoftware and enables broadcasters to manage and update EPG data for the radioservices participating in the trial. Joan Warner, chief executive of CommercialRadio Australia said: "The addition of EPG data means that listeners will be able to see detailedprogram information about their radio stations up to a week in advance on EPGenabled DAB digital radios. We believe features such as electronic programguides and the ability to download music directly from digital radios will add alot of consumer excitement to the launch of digital radio in 2009." The development is another endorsement for digital radio both in the UK andoverseas. Earlier this month, the Digital Radio Development Bureau (DRDB)issued a report which suggested that DAB digital radio household penetrationremains on track to reach 40% by 2009, reaching over 50% by 2010. Digital radioalso received backing from car manufacturers BMW who recently became the latestfirm to offer DAB digital radio in their most popular models, including 3Series, 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series. Simon Cole, CEO of UBC Media, said: "Digital radio has come of age in the UK andthe fact that this country has pioneered the technology is creating importantexport markets for us. Our software not only provides important overseasrevenue for us but creates a platform and a standard for us to offer otherservices, such as music downloading, which will be adopted first in the UK.Whilst we are aware of the continued need to invest to maintain our marketleadership, we are optimistic about these opportunities and the scale theyoffer." Stockists - as well as consumers - are being increasingly converted by thebenefits of digital radio, according to the DRDB report. Falling entry pricesand widespread stocking means there are more first-time DAB digital radiobuyers. This is good news for UBC and other broadcasters as the first DABdigital radio usually accounts for a disproportionate amount of time spentlistening. The forecast also suggests with DAB digital radio increasinglydominating traditional radio sales (domestic portables, clock radios & personalradios), manufacturers and retailers will begin to phase out some analogueproducts by 2010. - ends - For further information, please contact: Simon Cole, CEO, UBC Media Group plc:Tel: 020 7453 1600 Katie Thompson, Portland:Tel: 020 7404 5344 Notes: About UBC Media Group plc 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. The Group also hassignificant digital radio broadcasting interests including Classic Gold Digital,the nationally distributed classic hits format. It is also part of the MXRRegional Multiplex consortium. Digital Radio Development Bureau The Digital Radio Development Bureau is funded and supported by UK broadcastersincluding the BBC, GCap Media, Digital One, EMAP Digital Radio, and MXR. TheDRDB's task is to ensure digital radio's wide accessibility and swift adoptionin the UK with consistent and effective marketing. The DRDB shares informationon DAB developments in the UK and worldwide with other interested parties,including Government and regulators, Far East manufacturers and internationalDAB proponents. It works with a wide variety of DAB supporters on communicationand research initiatives designed to assist the successful evolution of DABdigital radio. Commercial Radio Australia Commercial Radio Australia is the national industry body representing Australiancommercial radio broadcasters. With over 250 members, Commercial RadioAustralia represents 98% of commercial radio stations on air in Australia. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
7DIG.L