Commercial radio giant, GCap Media, operators of radio stations such as Capital Radio, Xfm and Classic FM has joined UK Podcasters Association, in a move that spearheads the radio industry’s integration with digital and online media. GCap is the first radio/media company to join the UKPA, which has been attracting broadcast professionals since it started in April 2006.The move by GCap Media, who produce more podcasts than any other media company in the UK, is recognition of the role podcasts are playing in the modern media landscape.
Speaking about GCap Media joining the UKPA, Chairman Dean Whitbread said:
"This is a major endorsement of the UKPA's work and status as the leading body to establish podcasters' rights. The UKPA represents its members’ interests to regulators and would-be legislators. We've done a lot of work to establish podcasting as a medium in itself and we are really pleased to welcome GCap as a prominent member from the radio industry. It shows that they recognise both the value of the Association and the importance of podcasting. This can only be good for all."
John Hirst, Head of GCap’s podcasting company, Creation, said:
“Over the past three years we have seen millions of consumers subscribing and downloading compelling podcasts from our radio stations and our customers’ websites. We create podcasts for our radio brands, our commercial clients and other third party customers, such as The Sun. It’s now part of our core business and content offering to consumers and commercial customers alike. We are delighted to join the UKPA as it’s a neutral body set-up to support all podcasters.”
Wil Harris, known widely as the UK tech writer who also co-hosts of Leo Laporte's weekly podcast This Week In Tech (TWiT) is to launch a new video podcast channel in September 2007, called Channel Flip.