Bamber Forsyth puts Radio First

Radio First, the company set to launch digital radio stations across the country as joint ventures with leading football clubs, has appointed Bamber Forsyth to brand the initiative.

The group of stations, collectively known as The Fan Radio Network, will broadcast a mix of entertainment and football. Radio First has already signed deals with Chelsea, Southampton, Aston Villa and Derby County and each station will have its own on-air name. Southampton’s will be The Saint. The first station will launch in August, with the rest going live every few months until May next year.

The consultancy will redesign the corporate identity of Radio First, brand each of the radio stations and help to position The Fan Radio Network as “a valuable advertising medium”. The consultancy will command a five-figure fee for the work, which it won via a credentials pitch.

Radio First managing director Rory McLeod confirms the company is in talks with four other Premiership clubs and one club from the Scottish Premier League. Radio First is also talking to two Dutch clubs with a view to launching the initiative in The Netherlands.

According to McLeod, “This is a joint venture with the clubs but, as far as the punter is concerned, the radio station will be owned by the football club.

“It’s a marriage of entertainment and football. The obvious analogy is Posh and Becks,” he adds.