EMAP to launch Kiss TV spin-off

EMAP is to launch a dance music TV channel called Kiss Mix, based on its Kiss 100 radio station and Mixmag title.

Kiss Mix will be launched next year by EMAP’s music network, headed by Tim Schoonmaker. The move follows a company-wide restructure designed to expand brands across different media.

The TV channel will link London’s Kiss 100 and the “Friday night kiss” programmes – broadcast across the north of England on EMAP’s Big City Network of radio stations – with club and music magazine Mixmag and the Internet.

Schoonmaker says: “This is part of EMAP’s new thinking that brands must live across all media.”

He has spoken to TV distributors about carrying Kiss Mix, but refused to confirm whether a deal had been signed.

Kiss 100 attracts 1.3 million listeners, according to the latest Rajar figures. Mixmag recorded an Audit Bureau of Circulations figure of 67,274 for January to June.

The Box, EMAP’s pop music digital TV channel, has established cross-promotional links with the company’s Smash Hits magazine and has an audience of 2.25 million people.

Both Kiss 100 and the Box were rebranded this year. Mother created a £4m ad campaign called “Live sexy”, which broke in July.

Schoonmaker last month told Marketing Week that he intends to create a digital radio station based on rock magazine Q (MW November 18). But he says there are no plans for a Q TV channel.

In November, EMAP restructured into four networks – music, automotive, lifestyle and health – each combining consumer and business magazines, radio, TV and Net products. The company’s ad department is being restructured to sell packages across all media.