R.E.M. will perform an exclusive 15-song set to launch Q Magazine’s new digital radio service, which is due to go live June 2.
Bauer Radio is re-launching Q Radio, an off-shoot of the popular British music monthly magazine, Q. The new service promises to broadcast exclusive live performances and “the best music from emerging and established acts.” Former Xfm DJ Samanthi will host the station’s new daily evening program, QPM.
Q Radio will tap into the synergies created in conjunction with the flagship magazine, notes Ric Blaxill, the veteran radio executive who is on board as program director.
The new station, explains the former head of programs at BBC 6Music, will be “a 24/7 living, breathing version of Q magazine, and some.” He comments, “There will be exclusive live sets which only Q could secure, alongside unique opportunities for the audiences to interact with our presenters and the bands themselves,” adding “not to mention the most innovative, informed and considered music and some cracking lifestyle and entertainment features.”
The service replaces Q magazine’s current jukebox-style digital radio station, which launched in 2003 and attracted about 282,000 weekly listeners in the first three months of this year, according to official Rajar data. Those figures are well-down on the 317,000 listeners in corresponding period of 2007.
The station, which is currently available on Freeview, satellite, cable and online will also go live for the first time on digital audio broadcasting (DAB) radio in London from launch, and will be available as the radio player on the Web site of Bauer’s men’s magazine FHM.
The full schedule, including updates on exclusive live performances, new presenters and podcasts will be announced in the coming weeks.
