The new body will be known as the Radio Council and launches today with three projects: to develop an online live radio player streaming all live UK radio in one place; to develop an electronic programme guide that works on DAB, DTV, online and on mobiles; and to develop a calendar of digital-only content.
Joining the council with the BBC are the three largest UK commercial radio groups, Global Radio, Bauer Media and GMG, as well as the RadioCentre, which promotes commercial radio and will represent smaller commercial stations.
Andrew Harrison, chief executive of the RadioCentre, said: "We will of course remain competitors for listeners with the BBC, and RadioCentre will continue to lobby for the commercial and regulatory freedom to compete on level terms, but today we recognise that we need to work together in a new partnership to deliver a thriving radio sector for listeners."
The Radio Council plans to appoint a CEO to the Digital Radio Delivery Group in conjunction with the government. This is the body that will look at the switch to digital radio as part of Lord Carter's Digital Britain report. The group is looking at a switchover timetable, coverage, devices, platforms and marketing.
Tim Davie, director of BBC Audio and Music and inaugural chairman of the Radio Council, said: "The partnership between the BBC and commercial radio is crucial to the future of the medium. Radio is unique and much-loved, but the media environment is changing and we have to work together to make sure it remains as popular and relevant as ever."
The initiative comes ahead of the publication of a report by John Myers, the ex-chief executive of GMG Radio, on the future of local radio. He is expected to call on the BBC to fund the cost of installing extra transmitters to expand the national DAB network to cover 90% of the country.
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