TalkSport takes on financial world with launch of pre-pay debit card

TalkSport, the national commercial speech station, is extending its brand into financial services, with the launch of a pre-pay debit card.

TalkSport, the national commercial speech station, is extending its brand into financial services, with the launch of a pre-pay debit card.

The TalkSport card, which will launch on May 24, will be aimed at all the station’s listeners but particularly those with teenagers, because parents can monitor their use of the cards and prevent them running up debts.

The station aims to use the launch to strengthen its customer relationship marketing campaigns, and attract listeners to its website, where users can recharge the cards online. Customers will also be able to use the card abroad.

TalkSport commercial director Phil Quartly says: “Launching a debit card allows us to interact with our listeners in a new way that is both beneficial for them and us.”

TalkSport is launching the card with financial services company Blue Corners Group.

Companies have shown an increased interest in pre-pay debit cards over the past year, with a number of them launching branded cards. EMAP has already launched cards using its Smash Hits, Bliss, Magic, FHM and Shoot brands (MW January 26). Mastercard launched Mastercard CashPlus last summer, aiming it at people that cannot open bank accounts.

⢠Meanwhile, TalkSport, which is an official broadcaster for the World Cup, has signed a deal with bookmaker William Hill to provide in-store audio content during the FIFA tournament.

TalkSport’s presenter Rodney Marsh, the voice behind the station’s drive-time show The Game, will give daily tips on upcoming matches and insight into teams’ performances.

The TalkSport-branded content will feature in stores from the week leading up to the opening World Cup match on June 9.

TalkSport is the only UK commercial radio station that has acquired the broadcasting rights to the World Cup.