Digital radio operator Digital One has signed up Talk Radio to provide a new 24-hour digital sports station but has so far failed to reach a deal with Virgin Radio for a digital simulcast of the rock station's analogue service, writes John Plunkett.
The station, to be called Talk Sport, is the first of seven new digital services to be confirmed by Digital One. Based on Talk's internet sports station launched in the summer (Broadcast, 2.4.99), it will air from January.

Digital One has also concluded negotiations with Classic FM and Talk Radio for simulcasts.

But the digital operator has so far failed to strike a deal with Virgin Radio over the costs of its proposed digital simulcast. The Radio Authority has now been called in to arbitrate. If an agreement is delayed Virgin may not be part of Digital One's service for its planned launch.