C4's Popworld features on the channel's internet radio station

The broadcaster is leading a consortium that is bidding for the licence to run a new set of digital radio services.

The application is for 10 new stations - including three Channel 4 stations plus offerings from other media giants like BSkyB, Emap, Disney and Virgin.

But even if it loses, its rival for the licence, National Grid Wireless, would still carry two Channel 4 radio stations among its 13 planned services.

National Grid Wireless' line-up would also include the BBC, Radio Luxembourg and Premier Christian Radio.

'Future of radio'

The second national digital radio multiplex licence will be awarded by media regulator Ofcom in the summer. Services are expected to launch next year.

Nathalie Schwarz, chairman of 4 Digital Group, said her team "would secure the future of radio".

"We will serve a broad spectrum of audiences - from mainstream to niche, minority groups to children - in both speech and music," she added.

Announcing its bid last year, National Grid Wireless' Tony Moretta said: "We are confident that we can provide an open, non-competitive platform that will enable digital radio to achieve the next stage in its development."