Magic AM’s 8 North of England stations have been given permission to drop local output by the broadcasting regulator Ofcom.
This will mean shared content across all stations and no requirement for local news.
Prolific North is awaiting a response from Bauer Media to see what impact this will have on presenting and news teams at the stations.
The format change, approved by Ofcom will mean:
“Locally made programming must be produced within England. At least 4 hours a day during daytime weekdays must be produced in England. All programmes may be shared with other AM stations in the Magic AM Network within England. No requirement for local news, but UK- wide, nations and international news should feature.”
Bauer put in the proposal arguing that the changes would not substantially alter the character of the service because “Magic is a soft pop station and listener’s choice is driven by its music.”
The Magic AM stations are in Humberside, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, South Yorkshire, Teeside and Tyne & Wear.
