Medialink Named As Preferred Bidder For Major UK Foreign Office Radio Contract

Medialink Worldwide Incorporated has been named by the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as the preferred bidder for a three-year radio contract, which is expected to be finalized in the next few weeks. The London Radio Service, known in North America as britfm.com, broadcasts English and Spanish language news services for replay by stations around the world, and produces foreign language news and programs for global distribution.

The three-year contract should generate revenue in excess of $2 million per year.

The project will be led by Nick Hirst, Medialink's Head of Radio, who commented, "There is a great deal of interest in Britain around the world, especially in the Commonwealth. However, by strong story selection and careful targeting, we will increase the use made of this material everywhere. We are also introducing technological innovation to ensure that the London Radio Service is prepared for the rapid developments in digital and Internet radio."
Hirst continued, "Radio remains one of the most powerful ways to get your message across to important audiences everywhere. The new multi-media world is adding radio platforms to the ones which already provide one of the most trusted news formats."

Under the contract, Medialink will produce two daily news services in English, plus daily news services in Spanish, Arabic, Brazilian-Portuguese and Russian. In addition, eight foreign language programs would be produced weekly aimed at specific audiences around the world.The audio material will be distributed through ISDN on Demand, allowing radio stations to download studio quality audio on a discretionary basis, via the Internet, ISDN feeds, and hard copies.