The BBC has launched Radio 1 into the US for the first time after signing a carriage deal with subscription radio service Sirius.
The station, which has previously only been available to American listeners via the internet, went live via Sirius channel 97 at 9am ET this morning.
A time delay of five hours is being employed to allow the US audience to listen to the breakfast show at breakfast time, the drivetime show in the early evening, and so on.
"The station's job is to discover and support great new British music and America is a huge music market," said R1 controller Andy Parfitt. "If it benefits UK artists for Radio 1 to be carried on Sirius then it's a good thing. It will further reinforce that Radio 1 is a global player. It's a very exciting development."
Scott Greenstein, President of Entertainment and Sports at Sirius, added: "BBC Radio 1's global popularity and its importance in the world of music can't be underestimated. Sirius music channels and Radio 1 are both focused on the listener, and now Sirius subscribers will have the unique ability to enjoy this exceptional addition to our service."
Go listen
The station, which has previously only been available to American listeners via the internet, went live via Sirius channel 97 at 9am ET this morning.
A time delay of five hours is being employed to allow the US audience to listen to the breakfast show at breakfast time, the drivetime show in the early evening, and so on.
"The station's job is to discover and support great new British music and America is a huge music market," said R1 controller Andy Parfitt. "If it benefits UK artists for Radio 1 to be carried on Sirius then it's a good thing. It will further reinforce that Radio 1 is a global player. It's a very exciting development."
Scott Greenstein, President of Entertainment and Sports at Sirius, added: "BBC Radio 1's global popularity and its importance in the world of music can't be underestimated. Sirius music channels and Radio 1 are both focused on the listener, and now Sirius subscribers will have the unique ability to enjoy this exceptional addition to our service."
Go listen
