"I've just launched a new Internet-only radio channel from Dubai which I think you might like. It's called The DEEP. Its a new concept. No website. Just a Facebook page. There's a streaming player, soon to be accompanied by an iPhone App and Desktop widget. Its commercial-free for the first 10,000 songs."
Fair enough. So I signed into Facebook and began listening to The DEEP. I didn't know what to expect - maybe some kind of Arab pop music. Instead I hear The Proclaimers followed by an upbeat and fresh mix of rock and pop. Out of Dubai? I was listening to an Internet station streaming from the United Arab Emirates that suited me just fine. It just proves you should never prejudge. After listening a while, I decided I'd like to know more about this gem so I emailed Steve Pulley.
Turns out Steve Pulley has spend that past 25 years creating and managing radio and radio content for terrestrial FM radio networks and Internet radio streams. The man has lived around the world: China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and now in the United Arab Emirates with his wife, Linda.
Corey: Who is this station aimed at?
Steve: 35+ year olds living in the United Arab Emirates
Corey: What are you doing in the Emirates?
Steve: Personally I am the Head of Programming for 104.4 Virgin Radio Dubai, and I am Director of ARN Digital. ARN Digital looks after our eight radio station websites, smartphone applications, streaming as well as working on new initiatives.
Corey: Why did you start The Deep?
Steve: We recognized there was a gap in the market for a station playing a wider variety of hit songs. Additionally we wanted to start to rollout more channels via the Internet as we have been seeing tremendous growth for online listening.
Corey: How did you create it? What service or software are you using?
Steve: StreamTheWorld is the streaming provider for all our stations. The DEEP runs on a stripped down MAC computer with iTunes acting as the music database / music management system. Instead of creating a usual website, we've chosen to only use Facebook. From our FB page you can launch our live streaming player - which will soon be joined by an iPhone App and Desktop widget.
Corey: What's the initial reaction been?
Steve: To date the feedback has been nothing but positive. We're delighted.
