Live + on-demand = Channel 4's digital radio bid

Channel 4's bid for the new national digital radio multiplex will include a mix of live and on-demand channels.

The Sunday Telegraph has reported that C4 Radio plans to offer on-demand content, using technology from partner UBC, when it submits its DAB application to Ofcom on Wednesday.

On-demand programmes are likely to include business news bulletins from the Financial Times, children's shows from Disney and audio books from Penguin.

Among the live stations to be included on the multiplex is a radio equivalent of celebrity gossip mag, Closer, following in the steps of fellow Emap titles Kerrang!, Q, Mojo and Heat.

Other content suppliers confirmed last week include UTV and Virgin Radio owner SMG.

C4 Radio's official press launch is on Wednesday morning. Rival bidder National Grid Wireless has yet to reveal its plans for the multiplex.