Real Radio is currently in talks with advertising agencies as the broadcaster gears up to launch a new radio station, 96.3 Rock Radio, following its decision to rebrand recently acquired Paisley-based station Q96.
Although managing director Billy Anderson would not disclose the identity of the shortlisted agencies, he would confirm that Real Radio was speaking to four west of Scotland-based advertising agencies for the task.
It has also been revealed that Real Radio’s parent Group GMG Radio has set aside a “substantial six-figure sum” for marketing the new station.
96.3 Rock Radio, which will launch in January 2007, will broadcast a variety of classic rock tracks from the last 40 years.
Although targeting a wide market the station will have a “slight 35+ bias”.
In September, Real Radio Scotland was given permission by industry regulators Ofcom to co-house Q96 within its building in Glasgow while agreeing to honour the station’s local format.
The station will continue to broadcast news and content to the Paisley and Renfrewshire area.
The new station will showcase a new brand for GMG Radio’s media portfolio playing a large mix of music from artists such as Led Zepplin, AC/DC, Simple Minds, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, Primal Scream, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The Who. The new station will also broadcast to a larger TSA of over 800,000 adults from January.
Real Radio’s managing director, Billy Anderson, said: “This is an exciting opportunity. By providing a new station for the Total Survey Area focussing on an extremely successful genre of music, 96.3 Rock Radio will provide an alternative listen while encompassing the key local news and information services. The development of this brand can only further compliment GMG Radio’s portfolio of stations.”