Europe to get pay-radio
November 8, 2012
By Chris Forrester
French media regulator le Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel (CSA) has licensed Onde Numérique to broadcast pay-radio in the L-band by satellite over Europe. Transmissions will be made on the Eutelsat/SES Solaris Mobile satellite that’s been in orbit on Eutelsat’s W2A craft since April 2009.
This latest scheme is initially focused on French users and will provide for 9 new digital radio channels exclusive to the bouquet plus 43 new music-based channels covering niches such as jazz, rock and other international styles. Additionally the service will broadcast 7 public stations and the Euronews’ radio service.
CEO Franz Cantarano says the service will start towards the end of next year.