Media giant accused of ‘cultural vandalism over radio shake-up

A MEDIA conglomerate has been accused of “breathtaking cultural vandalism” after it announced a “rebrand” that will affect various Yorkshire radio stations.

Bauer Media Group yesterday claimed the move would create the largest commercial radio network in the UK.

The integration of stations will mean that Dearne FM (Barnsley), Rother FM (Rotherham),

Trax FM (Doncaster and Bassetlaw), Minster FM (York), Stray FM (Harrogate), Yorkshire Coast Radio (Bridlington), Ridings FM (Wakefield) and Pulse 2 (Bradford/Huddersfield) will all be rebranded as Greatest Hits Radio. West Yorkshire-based Pulse 1 will retain its name, while becoming part of the wider Hits Radio Network.

Greatest Hits Radio will play music from the 70s, 80s and 90s alongside unspecified “regional drive time” content and networked breakfast shows, while retaining local news, and traffic reports, Bauer said. Compass FM in Grimsby is also affected, according to a national report, as well as KCFM in Hull, owned by Nation Broadcasting. Bauer said that, where possible, stations only accessible through FM or AM will get access to DAB digital radio, which it described as a “crucial move”. But “some (employment) roles will be put into consultation and freelance contracts reviewed,” the company said.

Coun Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, inset, said:

“The news regarding Minster FM is incredibly disappointing, not only for their staff, but for the many residents who rely on Minster FM for the latest local news.”

He urged Bauer to reconsider the impact of removing “a pillar of our community” during the current national crisis.

Former Labour MP John Grogan, who represented Selby and later Keighley, said the stations had been “closed under the cover of ” the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “This is an act of breathtaking cultural vandalism from a company which has been busily acquiring local stations unchecked by regulators or government. Indeed Bauer only got its hands on some of these stations when the Competition and Markets Authority gave the green light in March. Now together with Global it dominates the market.”

Mr Grogan’s comments have been put to Bauer.