
In two previous bids, for which the companies were the only applicants, GCap was successful – but with Deegan at the helm.
MuxCo was created to work on behalf of smaller radio companies by partnering in local digital multiplex applications, which are often too expensive for companies to enter into individually.
Last week, MuxCo secured licences in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, where it partnered with Town and Country Broadcasting and Murfin Media, and in north-east Wales and West Cheshire, where it teamed up with Town and Country, Dee 106.3 and UTV Radio.
Deegan, who was corporate development executive at GCap, has joined MuxCo as creative director, and Watson said there are no plans for further recruitment in the immediate future.
Part of Deegan’s remit includes responsibility to monetise further digital services for smaller organisations, such as creating podcasts for local groups, specialist broadcasters and niche organisations.
Watson told Media Week: “If someone wants to broadcast 24/7 they have to find about £50,000, but to develop a podcast costs £250 a week. It’s a way of getting more people involved in radio.”
Watson used the example of local area guides, live music and Asian content as some of the podcasts his company would be creating.