GCap Media, operators of radio stations such as Capital Radio, Xfm and Classic FM recently announced that it has joined UK Podcasters Association. This move is seen as a big step toward radio industry integration with digital and online media. GCap is the first radio/media company to join the UKPA since the association’s creation in April 2006.

Speaking about GCap Media, who produce more podcasts than any other media company in the UK, joining the UKPA, Chairman Dean Whitbread said:

“This is a major endorsement of the UKPA’s work and status as the leading body to establish podcasters’ rights. We’ve done a lot of work to establish podcasting as a medium in itself and we are really pleased to welcome GCap as a prominent member from the radio industry. It shows that they recognise both the value of the Association and the importance of podcasting.”

John Hirst, Head of GCap’s podcasting company, Creation, said:

“Over the past three years we have seen millions of consumers subscribing and downloading compelling podcasts from our radio stations and our customers’ websites. We create podcasts for our radio brands, our commercial clients and other third party customers, such as The Sun. It’s now part of our core business and content offering to consumers and commercial customers alike. We are delighted to join the UKPA as it’s a neutral body set-up to support all podcasters.”