Organisers promise "increased television coverage" on Channel 4 - previous Mercury's have been aired on the BBC - plus a new series of exclusive live gigs featuring the Albums of the Year shortlisted artists.

The developments have been designed to generate even greater levels of interest in the artists and bands that the Mercury Prize promotes, whilst also engaging more music fans through increased access to live events, broadcast coverage and online content.

The Barclaycard Mercury Prize, which is best ...