Global launches an ad-free radio subscription, and the data is the point

Global launched Radio Plus, its first ad-free subscription for music stations (single brand family £4.99, all brands £9.99), played through Global Player. Goodstuff's Jessica Bernard and Havas's Harry Packshaw both told The Media Leader they expect little impact on ad inventory; Packshaw argued the real opportunity is data: pushing subscribers through Global Player generates first-party signals that "strengthen targeting and measurement" on the ad-supported inventory.