Global is to stop producing local and regional programming across England, in a new “nations strategy.”
Wales and Scotland will be unaffected, but it’s reported that XS Manchester will now become Radio x 90s.
Global’s Ashley Tabor King made the announcement to staff this morning.
The move has been made possible due to the Media Act, which was introduced last year. It meant that radio groups could drop regional commitments, without consulting Ofcom.
Global’s brands include Heart, Smooth and Capital.
In the North West Smooth Radio is licensed to Communicorp Group in Manchester. We’re waiting for a response to see how this will impact their broadcasts. However, according to RadioToday, its shows will now be broadcast from London.
When asked if they would officially confirm the changes, a Global spokesperson told Prolific North:
“We are indeed making some changes today and we will announce more details in due course”
An identical statement was issued by Communicorp.
