Channel 4 are leading the bids for the UK's second national digital multiplex opportunity. The TV channel, which counts talkSPORT, Virgin Radio, UTV, SMG, and possibly even Emap amongst its partners in the bid, has been looking to expand into radio for some time, after launching online radio and podcast platform, Channel 4 Radio, last year.

It seems that Channel 4 has aspirations of rivalling the BBC as a cross-platform media provider. With the war of words erupting over the tow channels as to which provides the best music coverage, this is a major attacking move by the commercial broadcaster.

The first UK national digital multiplex is owned by GCap Media, purveyors of such brands as Classic FM and Capital Radio.