Jazz FM returns as digital radio brand
Jazz FM is set to return this in the autumn as a digital station in a joint venture between GMG radio and The Local Radio Company.
It will return under the guidance of executive chairman of Local Radio Company Richard Wheatley and financial director Alistair Mackenzie.Jazz FM was rebranded as Smooth FM by GMG Radio three years ago. To meet a perceived gap in the market, GCap launched a DAB station called The Jazz, which was discontinued earlier this year.
The new look Jazz FM will broadcast on DAB, online and on Digital TV. The DAB service will be available in London, The West Midlands and The North West while national coverage will be facilitated via BSkyB.
The new management team will introduce a line of jazz FM extensions.
Wheatley says: “This is more than a unique opportunity for The Local Radio Company and GMG Radio. It’s a response to a real, unsatisfied demand for a professional 21st century media and marketing organisation catering for a fast growing, affluent group of people who like both the idea and music that was Jazz FM.”
Under its three year licence agreement, Jazz FM will operate from studios throughout the UK.
GMG Radio recently had its request to reduce the number of hours of jazz it plays on Smooth FM, currently standing at 45 hours per week, rejected by Ofcom.
The company was hoping that its plans to launch a DAB jazz station would help its case in reducing the hours on Smooth FM but Ofcom said the ventures could not be linked in making an appeal.
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