Zac Goldsmith to Launch New Sports Radio Station Ahead of Summer World Cup
In an exclusive development, former Conservative minister Zac Goldsmith is spearheading the launch of a new sports radio station, trkradio, which is scheduled to debut next month, just in time for the upcoming men's football World Cup this summer. The Track Radio Corporation has reportedly secured a licence from Ofcom last week, with Goldsmith and his brother Ben, a noted financier and environmentalist, serving as the primary investors in this ambitious venture.
Station Details and Leadership
Trkradio aims to carve out a unique niche in the competitive sports broadcasting landscape by offering a blend of reflective conversations covering a wide range of sports, moving beyond traditional football phone-ins to include broader content. Additionally, the station will feature music segments to diversify its programming. The day-to-day operations will be managed by Iain Macintosh, previously the head of UK audio at the Athletic, and Jonathan Arendt, the former commercial director of LBC, ensuring experienced leadership at the helm.
Competitive Market and Launch Timeline
The station is set to enter a market currently dominated by established players such as the BBC's Radio 5 Live, Radio 5 Sports Extra, and TalkSport, which has operated two channels for over a decade. Presenters and additional financial backers for trkradio are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks, building anticipation ahead of its inaugural broadcast. This launch coincides with the men's World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the US, and Canada, kicking off on June 11 and concluding with the final on July 19.
Background on Zac Goldsmith
Zac Goldsmith, who resigned as a Foreign Office minister in June 2023 citing dissatisfaction with the government's environmental policies under Rishi Sunak, is now venturing into the media sector with this new radio initiative. His involvement highlights a shift from political to entrepreneurial pursuits, leveraging his profile to attract attention to trkradio as it prepares to go to air and compete for sports fans' attention during a major global sporting event.
