Former BBC 6Music head of programmes Ric Blaxill has joined Bauer Radio as a launch consultant to expand its digital radio stable, including a relaunch of its digital music station, Q.
Blaxill, a former executive producer of Top of the Pops, is working with the Q magazine editor, Paul Rees, on the "all new Q Radio", which will feature live music and comedy and closer ties to the long-running music magazine.
Work is already under way on the launch of Bauer's Closer Radio, a spin-off of the monthly women's magazine, which is due to launch as part of the 4 Digital radio offering later this year.
Blaxill, who is looking at a range of new male-orientated music channels for Bauer, resigned from BBC 6Music in September last year.
Bauer completed the acquisition of Emap's radio and consumer magazine assets, including Q and Closer, last month.
"It's good to look at the potential for translating strong magazine brands into strong radio formats," said Blaxill.
"To translate Q magazine's reputation, content and credibility into an all new radio format would be very exciting not only for music fans but for digital radio.
"Working closely with Q Editor Paul Rees we are exploring how we could offer artists a multimedia platform to support their music with live programming, live performance, a new playlist, themed programming to support the magazine, specialist music strands and a mix of music and comedy."
Rees added: "One of our key aims for the future is transferring and expanding the Q ethos effectively and properly, cross-brand for the first time.
"All new Q Radio could be a major part of this effort and a number of clients are already interested. Having a man of Ric's vast experience on board to help us do so can only be of great benefit."
Emap Radio, now Bauer Radio, relaunched another of its digital stations, Heat Radio, last September, and is testing more new formats with advertisers and listeners.
Bauer has four of the top 10 most popular digital-only radio stations in the UK, including Smash Hits and The Hits.
The new-look Heat Radio ditched spot advertising in favour of sponsorship, promotions and advertising funded programming.
Andria Vidler, the managing director of Magic 105.4 and Bauer's national radio network, said demand from both listeners and advertisers would help shape the launch schedule.
"Bauer Radio is already the number one commercial broadcaster in national digital radio. We have already established strong audiences with our strong brands and are now looking at the next chapter in the growth story of digital radio," she added.
"We want to launch where we feel we can provide content-rich, exciting formats which serve an untapped demand from both audiences and advertisers alike.
"We are in the fortunate position of owning a cupboard full of brands which will translate into exciting new stations."
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