Radio DJs launch podcast-only shows

Paul Gambaccini, Tony Blackburn and Wes Butters are among DJs backing a revolutionary new service bringing radio to the iPod generation. In a world first, they are to bypass conventional radio to reach listeners and record shows specially for download from the internet.

The brainchild of former Virgin Radio DJ Daryl Denham and former Radio 1 chart show host Butters, the shows will cost from 49p and will span music, speech, showbusiness and comedy with travel, sport, topical and specialist interest shows planned .

"You can build your own fantasy radio station with shows from legendary names," said Denham. "People don't watch the TV the way they used to. Sky Plus and Tivo allows them to record and watch when they like but radio has not been as flexible, until now. We are offering radio where you want it when you want it."

"And these are unique shows, created specially for iPods and MP3 players, not rehashes of something already broadcast on the radio" added Butters.

The company, a three-way venture between Butters, Denham and talent management agency MPC Entertainment, has deals in place with Warner Music and Universal.

Podcasts will play only 60% of a song to make sure the service is not used as a cheap method of downloading tracks - 99p will buy an hour-long music show. Every track played will be linked to a download service allowing listeners to buy it there and then.

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