Radio 1 is already available online in the US, but the new multi-year agreement marks the first time it will be broadcast on FM.
The plan is to air Radio 1 with a time-shift on Sirius in order to maintain the channel’s original lineup. The time delay will mean, however, that US listeners will be unable to interact with Radio 1 shows via text, e-mail and telephone.
The move follows months of negotiations between the two firms, and it has been reported that the BBC was also approached by Sirius rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings during that time.
The deal is the latest to be signed between Sirius and the BBC. The satellite service had previously agreed to broadcast BBC television’s Premier League soccer and Wimbledon Championship tennis programs.
