WRN assists Virgin Radio to launch stations

[Analoguesat]

Jun 14, 2006 11:58 AM

WRN, a transmission services company, has announced the provision of satellite services to Virgin Radio for the launch of five stereo radio channels on Sky digital, two of which are 192 kb/s capacity.

The five stations from Virgin Radio include Virgin Radio Classic Rock and Virgin Radio Xtreme, which have previously been broadcasting on Sky via WRN's On Air and Radio channels but now have their own channel numbers. These are joined by Virgin Radio Groove and Virgin Radio 105.8, which launched on Sky on June 12th. Virgin Radio Party Classics, a brand new Virgin Radio station, goes live on Sky on June 16th.

Mark Robinson, Head of Engineering at Virgin Radio, says, "We have worked with WRN for a couple of years as they hosted Virgin Radio Classic Rock and Xtreme on their existing Sky channels. It therefore makes perfect sense for us to expand our relationship with WRN in launching our five channels on Sky."

Richard Jacobs, WRN's Business Development Manager, adds, "I am delighted that WRN is assisting Virgin Radio with this extensive expansion of its stations on Sky. This builds on the excellent commercial relationship that already exists between WRN and Virgin Radio."

In the meantime, WRN have confirmed to Sky Digi Online that previously occupied WRN channels 'On Air' and 'Radio' are both being redeveloped.

"The 'On Air' channel will be available for hire in weekly blocks for stations wanting to try out the Sky platform or test a new format.

The 'Radio' channel is now available for programme makers wanting to broadcast on Sky with their daily or weekly programmes. For more information about RADIO visit www.wrn.org/radio/."

SDO