CAP Clean Air

RNS Number:9034Q
Capital Radio PLC
4 February 2002

For Immediate Release

4 February 2002

                 CAPITAL RADIO AND DISNEY JOIN FORCES TO CREATE

                      THE UK's LEADING KIDS RADIO NETWORK

                   - MOVE TO BOOST DIGITAL RADIO IN THE UK -


Capital Radio plc, the UK's leading commercial radio group and The Walt Disney
Company Ltd, the UK subsidiary of the leading global media company and world
leader in children's entertainment, today announce an exclusive arrangement to
create a co-branded kids radio network in the UK.


The kids radio network will broadcast to a potential audience of about 25
million people on Capital Radio's existing 'Cube' digital radio stations as '
Capital Disney'.  It will also use other media platforms such as mobile phones
and the Internet to create an innovative multi-media service.


The target audience for the network, the under 16s, is highly
technology-literate and keen to embrace new technological developments. Capital
Radio and Disney believe that this age group will be a major force in driving
the take-up of digital radio in the UK.


The new arrangement brings together two very strong brands and extensive
resources, providing the radio network with the opportunity for innovative and
compelling content.  The network will be custom-built for kids providing a truly
interactive experience and Disney's unique access to the world of music, film
and show business.


The under 16s represent 19% of the UK population.  This is an audience that is
under-served on UK radio either by the commercial stations or the BBC but does
listen to radio.  92% (5.9 million) of 10 to 16 year olds tune in to radio each
week in the UK.


Disney will use its interests in the UK, particularly its film and video
businesses, TV channels and theme parks, to cross-promote the Capital Disney
digital radio service.  Disney's branded pay-TV channels broadcast to 8 million
viewers in the UK.


Capital Radio and The Walt Disney Company Ltd. will seek to build the new kids
radio network over time. In line with this strategy, the companies will be
submitting an application for the East Midlands analogue radio licence, which is
currently available.


David Mansfield, Chief Executive of Capital Radio said:

"This alliance between Capital and Disney gives great momentum to the
achievement of two of our long-term aims: building the UK's leading kids radio
network for future generations of radio listeners and establishing digital radio
as a mainstream medium. We believe that Disney is a perfect match to build a
radio network providing the high quality, innovative content that is needed to
drive the awareness and take up of digital radio in the UK."


Cindy Rose, Managing Director - UK, Walt Disney International, said:  "Disney
has a rich heritage of creativity and innovation, and years of experience
bringing high quality entertainment to families all over the world.  The UK is
one of Disney's most important international territories and we are committed to
expanding our activities here.  We are confident that Capital's expertise in
radio combined with our knowledge of children's media will create a radio
service that will be commercially successful while providing a safe and fun
environment for kids."


Paul Robinson, Managing Director, UK Branded Television, said:

"By combining the expertise of Capital Radio and Disney there is an opportunity
to provide a UK first by offering a dedicated service for kids in the East
Midlands."


Notes to Editors


1. Capital Radio owns 19 analogue and 31 digital radio stations in major
metropolitan areas across the UK encompassing the Capital FM, Xfm, Century,
Capital Gold and Cube radio networks and the national digital station, Life.

2. The Walt Disney Company Ltd has a wide range of business activities in
the UK, including television production and distribution, film production and
distribution, home entertainment, consumer products, publishing, interactive
games, the Disney Stores, Internet, music and stage plays. In addition, Disney
has 4 branded pay-TV channels in the UK (Disney Channel, Disney Channel +1, Toon
Disney and Playhouse Disney) plus the recently acquired majority interest in Fox
Kids Europe.

3. The 'Cube' digital radio network targets 10 to 16 year olds and covers
almost 50% of the UK, over 25 million people.

4. Commercial radio takes 71% of all radio listening in the 10-16 age
group.

5. The source of all UK radio listening figures given is RAJAR Quarter 3,
2001.


Enquiries:

Capital Radio plc

David Mansfield                               +44 20 7766 6240
                  
Dorothy Colling                               +44 20 7766 6194 
                   
Peter Harris                                  +44 20 7766 6257
                      
James Leviton (Finsbury Group)                +44 20 7251 3801
         

The Walt Disney Company Ltd.

Rachel Babington                              +44 20 8222 1332
                  
Monique Amaudry                               +33 15 375 5454
               


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

Clean Air (LSE:CAP)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2024 to Jun 2024

Clean Air (LSE:CAP)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2023 to Jun 2024