Capital and Heart TV channels to launch on Freesat & Sky

Radio stations Capital and Heart are to get their own television networks on satellite later in the year as part of parent company Global Radio’s new TV venture.
Global Radio founder and executive president Ashley Tabor told employees via video link that the company would set up the new Global Television division.
Global TV will debut with two new channels, Heart TV and Capital TV, which will play non-stop music videos.
Launching on satellite platforms Sky and Freesat in September, the channels will ‘deepen and enhance’ the brand identities of Heart and Capital, said Tabor, and target the same demographics as the two stations.

“Global prides itself on clear, simple brand propositions for its consumers,” he commented.
“Brand extension is a natural thing for us to do, for example online, mobile and live events, so I’m delighted we’re now bringing both Heart and Capital’s top class brand quality to music television.”
Global Group chief executive Stephen Miron added: “The creation of Global TV is another exciting step for the company.
“We continue to grow our business and I’m sure advertisers will enjoy the opportunity of extending their relationship with Heart & Capital as a result of being on TV.”
Last week, Global Radio announced the controversial £70m acquisition of GMG Radio, home of the Real Radio and Smooth Radio networks.

Rival commercial radio groups, including Absolute Radio, Talksport-owner UTV Media and Bauer Media, have expressed concern over the potentially negative impact of the deal on competition in the £450m UK radio market.
Global Radio attempted to fend of the criticism by announcing that it agreed to a series of undertakings requested by the Office of Fair Trading. The company will also now request a “fast track reference” from the OFT to the Competition Commission.
“Global Radio is confident that the OFT will confirm the fast track reference to the Competition Commission in the coming weeks,” said the company.
“As is normal with a Competition Commission reference, a monitoring trustee will be appointed during the hold separate period.”