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Channel 4 is in talks that could see the publicly-owned TV broadcaster venture into commercial radio for the first time, it was confirmed today.
The channel's commercial arm, 4 Ventures, is close to signing a deal with pop guru Simon Fuller and radio group UBC Media to set up a new TV and radio company.
UBC said today it was in "advanced discussions" with Channel 4 and Mr Fuller over a potential joint venture.
It is understood that 4 Ventures, Mr Fuller's 19 Management and UBC will unveil their plans in the next couple of weeks.
Part of the plan is to launch a national radio station based on the Sunday morning music TV show Popworld, which was created by Mr Fuller, the former manager of the Spice Girls.
Such a move would be a bold departure for Channel 4. The only other TV broadcaster involved in commercial radio is SMG, which owns the Scottish ITV franchises along with Virgin Radio.
Mr Fuller and Channel 4 would also like to turn Popworld into an international brand, following the lead set by Mr Fuller's global hit Pop Idol, which has helped him amass a £220m fortune.
UBC, which owns the Classic Gold brand of golden oldie stations, said the talks centred on "the formation of a joint venture company to exploit music brands in television and radio".
The company added that it would update the market further at the appropriate time.
UBC also produces programmes for other radio networks, providing a syndicated travel and traffic service, AA Roadwatch, for example.
[url=http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,7493,1229001,00.html]gaurdian
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