What Folder Media does

Folder Media is a UK-based audio and radio services company founded in 2006/2007 by Gregory Watson and Matt Deegan, headquartered in London. Its core business is the management of UK DAB digital radio infrastructure — specifically 16 DAB multiplexes spanning roughly 95 transmitters that carry approximately 140 radio stations. Alongside the infrastructure business, the company provides consultancy, web services, content production, station ownership, and platform carriage services to UK broadcasters and adjacent media clients including the BBC, ITV, Bauer Media, Wireless Group, the Highways Agency, and Radioplayer.

Operationally, the multiplex management work is run through MuxCo, a joint venture with Arqiva that handles the day-to-day operation of regulated DAB spectrum. The company also owns and operates radio brands directly: Fun Kids, the children's station spun off as a separate entity in 2018, and Upload Radio, launched in 2018. Content and platform services round out the offering, positioning Folder Media as an intermediary between UK broadcasters (who lease DAB carriage and need distribution support) and downstream platforms (radio aggregators, connected car services, public infrastructure such as the Highways Agency).

The business model is multi-legged: recurring multiplex management and transmission fees via MuxCo, project-based consultancy and web-services work for media clients, content production revenue tied to owned and third-party stations, and station-level income from owned-and-operated brands. Ownership has remained with founders and management — no external funding rounds are disclosed, and the company has historically operated as a privately held, cash-generative specialist. Public-facing activity has been limited after 2019, with no disclosed revenue, headcount range sits at 11–50 employees, and awards to date include Apple Podcasts' most-downloaded new podcast (2018) for a Fun Kids production.

Name

Folder Media

Legal name

Folder Media

Website

https://foldermedia.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Folder Media is a UK-based audio and radio services company that manages 16 DAB digital radio multiplexes, operates owned stations Fun Kids and Upload Radio, and provides consultancy and content services to BBC, ITV, Bauer Media, and other UK broadcasters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Radio Infrastructure and Audio Broadcasting Services

NAICS

Sound Recording Industries (5122), Sound Recording Studios (512240), Other Sound Recording Industries (512290)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

Digital Radio Broadcasting (DAB/DAB+, HD Radio) (MPAIAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Radio Streaming & Catch-Up Audio Platforms (MPAIADAJ), Radio Content Production & Studios (On-air Production, Imaging, Jingles) (MPAIAEAL), Enterprise Audio Publishing & Private Podcast Platforms (MPAIADAI), Media Asset Management (MAM) Platforms (MPAHAGAA), Music & Audio Streaming Platforms (BPAMAJAC)

Keywords

• DAB multiplex management
• Radio consultancy services
• Podcast production
• Digital audio strategy
• Radio web services

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. DAB Multiplex Management: Folder Media manages DAB Digital Radio multiplexes on behalf of consortium partners and operators. They charge multiplex operators for management services and earn revenue from capacity charges levied on radio stations broadcasting on their multiplexes.
2. Radio Consultancy Services: Providing strategic advice on DAB digital radio, radio station development, podcast consultancy, licence applications, and digital audio strategies to broadcasters and aspirant operators.
3. Radio Web Services: Building websites and web applications for radio and audio companies, including bespoke artist pages, event systems, and listener management platforms.
4. Content Production: Producing audio and radio content including shows for the BBC's national networks, podcasts such as the Love Island podcast, and children's programming for Fun Kids.
5. Radio Station Ownership and Operation: Folder Media owns and operates Fun Kids (a national children's radio station on DAB) and previously owned and operated Fun Radio, generating revenue through advertising and sponsorship.
6. Platform Carriage and Distribution: Arranging DAB carriage, FM/AM RSLs, online streaming, and digital TV distribution for radio stations through relationships with multiplex operators and platform providers.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Folder Media builds platforms for audio businesses and advises on digital audio strategies. The company manages a network of 16 DAB Digital Radio multiplexes across the UK through its MuxCo subsidiary, covering 95 transmitters and 140 radio stations. It produces audio and radio content (including podcasts for ITV and shows for the BBC), develops bespoke websites and apps for audio companies using its proprietary Radiobase and FolderID platforms, and provides consultancy on DAB licensing, radio station development, and digital audio strategy.

Product overview

Folder Media is a radio and audio consultancy providing specialized services across DAB Digital Radio, station development, multiplex management, podcast production, and web services. The company operates the MuxCo multiplex network (a subsidiary managing DAB multiplexes across the UK), owns and operates the Fun Kids children's radio station, and provides Radio Web Services including Radiobase (internal music metadata management) and FolderID (listener database management). Services include Radio Strategy, Licence Applications, Radio Station Development, Podcast Consultancy, and Multiplex Management. Notable projects include the Radioplayer Stats Dashboard, Love Island Podcast (over 3 million downloads), Audio Content Fund platform, Dubai Now station, and Last Pirate FM. The company manages approximately 16 DAB Digital Radio multiplexes with 140 radio stations across managed multiplexes and 95 digital radio transmitters.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MuxCo: DAB Digital Radio multiplex management network operated by Folder Media

Products and services

• DAB Multiplex Management Day-to-day management of DAB Digital Radio multiplexes across the UK, covering 16 multiplexes, 95 transmitters, and 140 radio stations. Services include contract negotiation, billing, technical operations, regulatory compliance, and fault management for client multiplex operators.
• Radio Strategy and Consultancy Strategic consultancy for creating audio content and delivering it to consumers, including DAB Digital Radio licensing, station setup, multiplex management, and digital audio strategy development for broadcasters, government bodies, and aspirant operators.
• DAB Licence Applications Assistance with obtaining broadcast licences including DAB Digital Radio multiplex licences from Ofcom, with Folder Media having won multiple multiplex licences through its MuxCo subsidiary (12 of 15 advertised licences).
• Radio Station Development End-to-end development of radio stations from concept through launch, including business planning, platform negotiation, building station infrastructure, and system setup for new and existing broadcasters.
• Podcast Consultancy and Production Consultancy and production services for podcast creation and distribution, including production partnerships, strategic guidance, editing, and publishing support. Notable productions include the Love Island podcast for ITV and content for the BBC's national networks.
• Radio Web Services Web and app development services for audio companies, building bespoke websites and applications that integrate with the Radiobase content management system and FolderID listener database management platform.
• DAB Carriage and Platform Distribution Arranging DAB carriage, FM/AM Restricted Service Licences, online streaming, and digital TV distribution for radio stations through relationships with multiplex operators and platform providers, delivering access to millions of listeners across the UK.

Quantifiable outcome

• Fun Kids audience grew 37% in London to 112,000 listeners following Folder Media acquisition.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Nation Broadcasting LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2019MuxCo Cumbria Ltd, a joint application between MuxCo Ltd and Nation Broadcasting Ltd, submitted an application to Ofcom for a local DAB multiplex for Morecambe Bay and South Cumbria, proposing to launch within 12 months with 9 services.
• Dubai Media IncorporatedminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Folder Media worked with Dubai Media Incorporated to create a UK Arabic radio station called Dubai Now. Folder set up the station's systems, playout, DAB carriage, online streaming, and is responsible for the content.
• The Local Radio Company (TLRC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019MuxCo North Yorkshire Ltd, a joint venture between Folder Media's MuxCo Ltd and TLRC, was awarded the DAB multiplex licence for North Yorkshire, ensuring Minster FM, Stray FM, and Yorkshire Coast Radio would be available on DAB.
• UKRDminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019UKRD partnered with Folder Media on the Surrey and Sussex multiplex application, which Ofcom awarded to MuxCo. UKRD also partnered on the Somerset multiplex.
• Audio Content FundminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2019Folder Media developed the Audio Content Fund's website and grant submission system. The Fund distributes up to £3 million in government grants to support original radio and audio production in the UK.
• Tindle CI BroadcastingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2018Tindle CI Broadcasting, operator of Channel 103 and Island FM in the Channel Islands, teamed up with Folder Media to bid for the local DAB multiplex licence for Jersey and Guernsey — the first local radio multiplex advertised for the Channel Islands.
• Rubber ChickencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Folder Media worked with Rubber Chicken to win the tender for the Love Island daily podcast for ITV Series 4. Rubber Chicken contributed to creative production alongside Folder's hosting, editing, and publishing capabilities.
• Orion Media, Babcock International, Sabras RadiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Folder Media joined a consortium with Orion Media, Babcock International, and Sabras Radio to submit an application for the second commercial national multiplex, Listen2Digital. Folder Media took a shareholding and multiplex management responsibilities, including its Fun Kids and Upload Radio stations in the line-up.
• UTVcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Folder Media manages UTV's network of six multiplexes alongside the eight MuxCo multiplexes. This partnership significantly expanded Folder's multiplex management footprint in the UK.
• Upload RadiominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Upload Radio is Folder Media's new radio network where individuals and organisations can buy space on a programme-by-programme basis. Initial roll-out on local multiplexes with online and 30-day catchup. Included in the Listen2Digital national multiplex application to provide nationwide reach.
• Lincs FM GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Lincs FM Group partnered with MuxCo for the Suffolk multiplex application, alongside Town and Country Broadcasting, to transmit existing stations on DAB and launch new local services.
• Town and Country BroadcastingminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Town and Country Broadcasting partnered with MuxCo on the Suffolk multiplex and Liverpool/Cheshire/North Wales multiplex to bring new and existing local stations onto DAB.
• MuxCocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 April 2013MuxCo is a Folder Media subsidiary and joint venture with Arqiva, formed to bid for and manage DAB Digital Radio multiplex licences. MuxCo won 12 of 15 advertised multiplex licences. Folder Media manages the day-to-day operations of the MuxCo multiplex network. MuxCo has shareholdings in local multiplex companies with partners including Bauer, Nation Radio, Dee Radio Group, Murfin Media, and Triple Media.
• RadioplayercoreTechnology or Integration · 1 August 2011Folder Media built Radioplayer's Facebook app, enabling easy listening to UK radio within Facebook, station sharing, and seeing what others in the area listened to. Folder also built the Radioplayer stats dashboard for client stations.
• GCap MediacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2008Folder Media acquired Fun Radio from GCap Media (and Hit Entertainment). GCap's content division Creation continued to manage day-to-day programming of the station under agreement. GCap's expertise in children's content supported the station's programming.
• Hit EntertainmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2008Hit Entertainment sold Fun Radio to Folder Media alongside GCap Media. Hit continued to use FUN radio to promote its brands and activities to children and families.
• Highways AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008A consortium comprising Global Traffic Networks, All in Media, and Folder Media was appointed by the Highways Agency to operate and manage their Traffic Radio service across 30+ DAB multiplexes, online, and FM/AM RSLs. Folder Media handled all transmission and distribution elements.
• Global Traffic NetworkscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Part of the consortium with Folder Media and All in Media appointed by the Highways Agency to operate Traffic Radio. GTN contributed traffic information collection and presentation expertise.
• All in MediacoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2008Part of the consortium with Folder Media and Global Traffic Networks appointed by the Highways Agency. All in Media contributed specialist audio and media distribution technology.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves5 records

Broad incumbents

• Bauer Media Group: Major UK commercial radio broadcaster (Absolute Radio, Kiss, Magic) and shareholder in several MuxCo multiplexes. A direct customer of Folder Media's multiplex management and a broader incumbent in the same audio ecosystem.
• Wireless Group (News UK Broadcasting): Operates talkSPORT, talkRADIO, and Virgin Radio UK. A direct Folder Media client whose multiplexes are managed by MuxCo, making it both customer and peer in UK commercial radio broadcasting.
• Global (Global Media & Entertainment): UK's largest commercial radio group (Heart, Capital, Classic FM, Smooth, LBC). Comparable as a UK broadcaster that depends on the same DAB carriage infrastructure Folder Media helps manage.

Direct peers

• Arqiva: UK's dominant broadcast transmission infrastructure provider and 50/50 JV partner with Folder Media in MuxCo. Operates national DAB multiplexes and tower infrastructure, making it the closest direct peer on broadcast infrastructure services.
• Radioplayer: UK-led streaming platform for radio stations globally. Folder Media built Radioplayer's Facebook app and stats dashboard, making it a tech partner and adjacent peer in radio digital distribution and analytics.
• Wise Buddah: UK radio production company that produces content for BBC and commercial stations. Partnered with Folder Media on the Last Pirate FM pop-up station and competes in the same production-services market for broadcasters.
• All In Media: UK audio and broadcast technology company that was a Folder Media consortium partner on the Highways Agency Traffic Radio contract. Directly comparable as a niche UK radio/audio technology and services provider.
• Global Traffic Networks: Provider of traffic information services to broadcasters. Partnered with Folder Media in the consortium appointed by the Highways Agency to operate Traffic Radio across 30+ DAB multiplexes.

Emerging players

• Audioboom: UK-based podcast hosting and monetisation platform serving broadcasters and creators. Comparable as a UK audio technology company intersecting podcast distribution where Folder Media has consultancy and production capabilities.
• Broadcast Radio: UK radio station services and consultancy (playout systems, streaming, branding). Comparable to Folder Media as a smaller-scale UK radio services provider targeting commercial and community broadcasters.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/folder

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Folder Media