4 Digital Group was a media consortium in the United Kingdom. In July 2007, the group won the licence to operate the second national DAB radio multiplex. The consortium, led by Channel 4 Radio, was a combination of existing commercial radio operators and brands new to radio. The group aimed to boost the up-take of digital radio in the United Kingdom in a similar manner to the growth of digital television since the introduction of Freeview. Their strategy for this was the introduction of ten new national stations, including speech and music services, and advertising for the format.

Demise

In October 2008 Channel Four Television Corporation announced that it was abandoning its plans for digital radio stations. Subsequently, the licence was returned to Ofcom. Therefore, all details below refer to purely what was planned, and was taken from promotional material of the time. None of it actually occurred.

Planned stations

The planned stations were:

Other services

As well as innovative new radio stations, 4 Digital Group planned to introduce a national Podcast Service, providing an opportunity for niche services catering for a diversity of passions, interests and communities to reach audiences throughout the UK. Downloadable radio podcasts could include:

Transmission

4 Digital Group planned to build and operate a transmission network capable of reaching nearly 88% of the adult population on the move (outdoor), nearly 80.5% in home (robust indoor), and 45% using handheld receivers. There would be coverage of 94% of the motorway network in England, Scotland and Wales.

Marketing

4 Digital Group planned to commit £4.5 million to general marketing of digital radio in the first three years of the licence period, together with more than £25 million to support the launch of the individual new radio stations.

Group companies

The group companies were:

Initial shareholders

Station providers

Podcast providers

Strategic partners