Internet Radio Station Eyes Mainstream Platform

SixHits Digital Radio began broadcasting in December 2006, and as such is now six months old.

[UKPRwire, Fri Jun 08 2007] SixHits Digital Radio began broadcasting in December 2006, and as such is now six months old. In that time, its number of on air presenters has trebled, its listener base has grown significantly and its programming has widened. The main broadcast studio has relocated to Erdington in Birmingham, with operational locations in Newport (South Wales) and Belfast, exploiting the latest technology to provide the best possible listening experience. At the start of the SixHits Sizzlin' Summer, in terms of listeners and website hits, May has been its best month so far.

But cold figures aren't the only things to have improved. As well as attracting thousands of listeners around the world, Sixhits and its parent organisation 6Media are armed with a strong talented creative media and design team. This is in addition to SixHits' aim of nurturing young people into the world of media, bringing forward and exposing the talents of a number of hitherto bedroom DJs and writers from around the UK.

This growth runs concurrently with its push towards DAB. With DSP Licence DP-111, the station is permitted to broadcast on any DAB multiplex in any area of the UK. The station is currently in the process of tirelessly working towards that goal. Added to this, the station is now also available to listeners via 3G mobile phones; a first, important step in expansion beyond the internet.
Sixhits’ Managing Director, Kevin Coy commented; “It’s been absolutely amazing witnessing the rapid growth of the project, and seeing the numbers of young people wanting to be involved. It simply goes to show that there is a lot of interest in broadcast media, and I think this is the perfect way for talented young individuals to get noticed by key major broadcasters.”

On air meanwhile, SixHits has become the first radio station in the UK to secure live daily baseball coverage, bringing its audience a sport usually confined to graveyard television. Live, presenter-based programming has expanded so that under 20% of the output is now provided by automation. The new dance music show, ClubZone, has brought world-renowned DJs such as Tim Deluxe to Friday nights.

Added to all this, this summer will see the first ever SixHits Big Bash. This massive party will see DJs from the station taking over a venue and performing exclusive live sets at a secret, yet to be revealed location somewhere in the UK. SixHits will also be home to the BBVision Visioncast, the one-stop-spot for all things Big Brother.

That's not where the listeners' fun ends however. Prizes such as Digital radios and MP3 players are also up for grabs in the new "Lyrical", "Let's Play eBay" and "Mystery Sound" competitions.

Sixhits’ Financial Director and Station Manager, Michael Young said; “It just goes to show that we can offer the listeners just as much as we can offer those wanting to become involved with the project. By listening, and participating in the many ways that listeners can interact with us, they can win some great prizes, and be entertained by what will be some of the rising stars of the future.”

In a short space of time since its birth, SixHits Digital Radio is proud to have many things to offer listeners and DJs alike. However the work goes on. A push for DAB, the Sizzlin' Summer promotion, live sport, exciting competitions and maintaining a significant presence are all high on the agenda.
As such the company has high hopes for the future; for the next six months of SixHits.

Notes To Editors

1. Sixhits Digital Radio was founded by Kevin Coy, based in Birmingham, and is a project aimed at encouraging young talented people to engage in radio broadcasting on a legitimate, legal platform, from the safety of their own homes, from anywhere in the United Kingdom.
2. The station aims to launch on the DAB Digital Radio platform in the near future, further broadening the reach of programming, and giving further exposure to those involved.
3. Sixhits Digital Radio encourages the involvement of young people both for actual live broadcasts, and also editorial input including music reviews and news stories for the Sixhits.com website, and for use by the on air presenters.
4. Copies of the “Tim Deluxe” appearance on Sixhits are available on CD for editorial use and reference only.
5. Sixhits Digital Radio is a licensed broadcaster holding a Digital Sound Programme Service licence issued by OFCOM (number DP-111) and is licensed for internet broadcasting by MCPS/PRS Alliance and Phonographic Performance Limited.