The line-up will also include a data channel, containing news, information and entertainment for the West Midlands.
This multiplex will also carry the BBC Asian Network as required by the 1996 Broadcasting Act.
The MXR consortium includes UK Stock Exchange listed companies: Chrysalis Group, Capital Radio, jazz fm, UBC Media and Psion.
MXR West Midlands promises to be Local from Launch. The importance of local programming to listeners in the West Midlands is borne out by the findings of the research commissioned by MXR for this application. All of the digitally produced channels (Fun, Arrow, Jazz and Smooth) will be able to insert, at will, local news bulletins, headlines, sports news, weather forecasts and additional local information strands within all daytime programming, and all have committed to using some or all of this local information to suit their own format needs from launch.
The multiplex will be live from Summer 2001.
MXR Consortium Chairman, Phil Riley, said, This is great news for all concerned. MXR will deliver the next generation of radio that listeners in the West Midlands have been waiting for.
MXR has a bid pending for the North West regional digital licence.
