UK Radio Aid, the unique UK radio event that will raise money for children affected by the Asian Tsunami, will be beamed around the world via satellite by WRN, the London-based international transmission provider.
From 6am to 6pm on Monday 17th January 2005, the UK’s commercial radio stations will join together in a single, star-studded programme to raise money for the children affected by the Asian Tsunami and support them as they to start to rebuild their lives and look to the future. An estimated audience of up to 30 million listeners across 250 UK stations are expected to tune in, making it the biggest ever UK radio event.
With the support of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, some of the biggest names in UK radio history alongside musicians, sports and TV stars will take part in the 12 hour live broadcast. Each hour of programming will be hosted by two guest DJs who will introduce live acoustic sets, guest interviews, competitions, auctions, pledges, messages and news breaks.
The event will be simultaneously relayed around the world via WRNs extensive global digital satellite network. WRNs Richard Jacobs says, we are pleased to be able to donate the use our worldwide network to transmit this incredible event and take it to audiences on a global basis letting listeners in other countries get involved. Tim Ashburner, WRNs Technical Director says UK Radio Aid has an international resonance and our technical infrastructure makes WRN uniquely placed to turn it into a global event at short notice.
The event will be relayed as follows:
Across North America including the USA, Canada, the Caribbean and Central America via Intelsat Americas 5 at 97º West (Transponder 5, 11836 GHz, Vertical polarisation);
Across Europe, Middle East and North Africa via the Hot Bird 6 satellite (WRN Special, Transponder 94, 12597GHz, Vertical polarisation);
Across Africa and the Asia Pacific region via Thaicom 3 (WRN Special, Transponder 6G, 3.640 GHz, Horizontal polarisation).