GCap chief expresses doubt over second radio complex

Ralph Bernard, the outgoing chief executive of GCap Media, has questioned the viability of the 4 Digital Group radio multiplex.

Last week, Virgin confirmed it had pulled plans for its Virgin Radio Viva station. Meanwhile, question marks remain over the future of the planned Sky News Radio station, following Global Radio's exit from that venture.

Bernard said: "We've always said there wasn't room for two multiplexes and I hate to say 'I told you so' - but I told you so. The issue is all about the investment level and commitment needed to make the investment for the long term. We were told in the application by Channel 4 that it was going to introduce a new exciting form of radio and we're still waiting for that."

Richard Huntingford, executive chairman of Virgin Radio, said the decision to ditch Viva, its planned female-friendly pop station for 15 to 29-year-olds, was to help Virgin Radio focus on its core proposition of pop and rock stations.
A Channel 4 Radio spokesman said it had to respect Virgin Radio's decision, but it was confident the multiplex would launch with a "robust line-up".

Bernard's comments came as he announced plans to resign the chief executive post. Bernard will remain with the company as chairman of Classic FM with responsibility for overseeing the station's licence renewal process and he will continue as chairman of Digital One.

Media Week 27-Nov-07