Queen's Brian May has emerged as an unlikely possible saviour of embattled digital radio station Planet Rock.
The guitarist said he was involved in a "rescue operation" to save the station, which will close at the end of this month if it cannot find a buyer.
Writing on Brianmay.com he explained: "I can't tell you who I am 'in league' with, but I am part of a small group of people who have great hopes that we will succeed in taking over the station, and putting it on a firm footing, for the benefit of its growing audience.
"I regard Planet Rock as rather more than just a radio station - it is a symbol of free radio ... radio which is not run by large corporate organisations for the purpose of making tons of money, and has a free choice of what it plays."
The company who owns Planet Rock GCap Media announced the sale or closure of its national digital radio stations Planet Rock and TheJazz in February as part of its retreat from investment in digital audio broadcasting (DAB) radio, reports The Guardian.
May said: "DAB radio has had a brave start, and can provide freedom from domination by commercially minded programming, but it might, at this point, slip between the cracks.
"I believe this cause is worth supporting ... and will be doing my best to put my money and expertise where my mouth is! We hope to be able to make an announcement soon. In the meantime, if you agree with me ... Demand your Planet Rock! Demand your DAB!"
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