Dublin's Radio Nova have announced the official launch of a new range of music-based digital radio channels, aimed at offering further choice to its growing audience.

Nova 80s, Nova Beatles, Nova Brit Pop, Nova British Invasion, Nova Chill, Nova Classics, Nova Irish Rock, Electronic 80s, Millertime from Marty Miller and Nova Metal will be available to the 170,000 users of Nova's iPhone and Android mobile apps as well as via the station’s website and on internet radio devices.

The new radio stations will focus on specific music genres and represent the first time an Irish radio station has launched separate branded versions of its output for listeners. The station claims it to be a first in Irish commercial radio.

Nova CEO, Kevin Branigan said, “This represents the first time that radio and digital technologies have been brought together in an environment where there is a real, captive audience. Over 170,000 people have downloaded our mobile apps and this is where the real benefits of these new digital channels will be seen – they’re accessible at a click, focus exclusively on music and cost absolutely nothing for the user to listen to”.

The station’s Programme Director, Jeff O’ Brien, said, “The new digital channels represent an innovative way for us to provide content for our listeners. Our research shows us what our listeners want and our use of technology in this way is the perfect way to offer that bit more. The level of interest from listeners to date is very encouraging."

Branigan claims that the channels will open up new revenue streams for the company and ultimately make people more aware of the main Radio Nova FM service.