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Radio 1 is set to break out of the airwaves and on to our TV screens after BBC bosses announced a bold move to turn the station into a standalone TV channel.
New Beeb chief Tony Hall will unveil a £100million investment plan for new programmes and technology tomorrow.
And Radio 1 bigwigs want to make telly stars of their roster of DJs including Zane Lowe, Scott Mills and Nick Grimshaw.
The station will provide exclusive performances and interviews, which will not be broadcast on any of the BBC’s other TV channels.
Radio 1 has utilised more videos online and on YouTube in recent years, and the new channel aims to attract a larger audience of young people.
Fans will be able to catch up with Radio 1 via TV, laptop, tablet or smartphone via the new online channel.
Content will include highlights from Radio 1’s Live Lounge, festivals, interviews, and other online features such as ‘Innuendo Bingo’.
Radio 1 and 1Xtra controller Ben Cooper said: “I’m very excited about transforming Radio 1 from being just a radio station into being a full audio-visual channel.
“Radio 1 has always pioneered innovative ideas and led the way in engaging with young people and this is another huge step in cementing that reputation.”
Zane Lowe’s recent interview with Kanye West has attracted over 3 million views on YouTube, while Greg James’s Miley Cyrus spoof has been viewed 2.8m times.