SEAN BOLGER

The online radio revolution gathers yet more pace this week with news that The Sun is to launch its own talk radio channel in April. Sun Talk is part of a £1m investment in video & radio services at News International’s best-selling daily tabloid and headlining the schedule will be former Talk Sport presenter, Sun columnist and general tub-thumper of the parish, Jon Gaunt.  Now, while some will be quick to dismiss the venture as either a marketing ploy or perhaps an attempt at breathing new life into Gaunt’s colourful radio career, I think this could mark the start of a bold new synergy between print and radio that may end up posing a significant challenge to traditional broadcast outlets.

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News this week that commercial radio could be prepared to throw a lifebelt to the good ship DAB - last seen listing and in real danger of sinking altogether amid stormy financial seas. However, unlike most normal buoyancy aids, there appears to be more than one string attached to this one.

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It’s been quite a week - what with Gollygate, the collapse of Project Kangaroo and yesterday, an unedited profanity on BBC Breakfast that left viewers choking on their toast. However, the highlight for me was hearing internet radio’s potential to become a viable alternative to FM move another step closer with the launch of Wight FM on the Isle of Wight. 

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These are indeed curious times, for as über radio group Global prepares to roll out another clutch of stations under the Heart brand, its smaller cousin The Local Radio Company has just announced plans to scrap networked shows across its group of stations. Of course, radioheads across the land are thrilled at the prospect and have already been quick to trumpet TLRC as the true saviours of local radio. But hold your horses - I’m not sure it’s quite as simple as that.

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