RTÉ is to launch six new radio stations as part of its trial of digital radio which is running until November next. Four of the services have begun broadcasting this week, with the other two to begin transmission later this summer.

Two of the new services are music only with no DJs - classic hits station RTÉ Gold and RTÉ 2XM which will showcase new music for students and young adults.

RTÉ Junior is a pop music station for children which will broadcast from 7am to 9pm daily. RTÉ Digital Radio News is a rolling news bulletin which will broadcast the latest headlines in a loop that is updated every hour.

Later this summer a similar service for sport, RTÉ Digital Radio Sport and a variety station of comedy, documentaries, archive shows, music, and international programming called RTÉ Choice will come on air.

Paul Russell, a senior producer in RTÉ's new media unit said the decision on what types of programming to introduce was based on studies of countries where digital radio has been successful - predominantly Britain and Denmark.

RTÉ's digital radio service is free to air but listeners require a special digital audio broadcasting receiver.

The signal is currently available in the greater Dublin area and the northeast. RTÉ's four existing FM services are being simulcast as part of the trial.

None of the pilot stations will carry advertising.