VNU Business Publications Ltd, the London-based publishing arm of VNU Business Media Europe (BME), has launched VNU On Air, its new portfolio of internet-delivered audio and video content, designed to appeal to B2B IT buyers, consumer technology users and financial management professionals - the company's three core audiences. The VNU On Air launch is supported by an advertising campaign in the trade press and VNU's own titles.

VNU On Air will offer a mix of news, product and technology know-how, and industry discussion and debate, aimed at the four million users per month of VNU's 20 online and offline brands in the U.K., including The Inquirer, vnunet.com, Computing, IT Week, Accountancy Age, Computeractive and CRN. VNU On Air is intended to meet the needs of both its large audience and advertisers that want to reach them, the company said.

"VNU On Air is a significant step in VNU's plan to transform its businesses in the U.K. and across Europe into a total media business, exploiting every possible media platform," according to the company's statement. At launch, VNU's On Air content will be produced at HD quality.

"VNU On Air represents the first time a European B2B print publisher has launched audio and video services with dedicated in-house studio and theatre facilities to create a total media solution. The move will enable the company to take advantage of innovations such as VOD-, pod- and webcasting, and increase the value it provides to both its information subscribers and its advertising partners," said Ruud Bakker, CEO of VNU Business Media Europe.