UTV, the Belfast-based media group, has unveiled plans to expand its radio interests to Britain by establishing a new joint venture to bid for forthcoming licences. It has set up Absolute Radio UK with three other partners to initially bid for the new East Midlands FM licence as 106.6 Jump FM.

Mr John McCann, managing director, UTV said: "We are looking for suitable opportunities to further position UTV as a broad media player. Absolute Radio UK marks the start of a long-term commitment to UK radio by UTV."