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1 September 2020

Bauer Media Creates the UK’s Largest Commercial Radio Network

Bauer Media will today create the largest commercial radio network in the UK, as stations from the acquired ex-Celador Radio, Lincs FM, UKRD and ex-Wireless groups are integrated into the Hits Radio Brand Network.

The national network is comprised of Hits Radio, Country Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio. Most of the stations which joined Bauer following the acquisitions will rebrand to Greatest Hits Radio, while a small number retain their own branding, and welcome content and presenters from Hits Radio. Both formats promise a highly engaging listen and scaled access to highly valued audiences for advertisers.

On Greatest Hits Radio, upbeat classic hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s – the most popular music format in the UK – will be complemented by a team of some of Britain’s most loved and trusted broadcasters. The style of presentation, the passion for great music and the delight that Simon Mayo, Mark Goodier, Janice Long, Paul Gambaccini and Pat Sharp take in creating great radio moments brings the warm personality of the brand to life.

Audiences listening to Greatest Hits Radio in all corners of the UK will be served news bulletins carrying locally gathered stories, local traffic bulletins and local information to reflect the interests of each market. The station will be marketed nationally through a campaign blending TV activity, national and regional press, digital ad social platforms, and of course radio. Central to the campaign is the idea of ‘music bringing good times’ to our lives. It will feature some of Greatest Hits Radio’s favourite artists, including David Bowie, Tina Turner, Madonna, Queen and Bob Marley.

Today also marks the official launch of Greatest Hits Radio’s ‘Getting You Back to Work’ scheme. This is all about enabling local employers to submit job vacancies to be promoted both on-air and online, at no cost, to reach a wide pool of local jobseekers. Job vacancy bulletins will be broadcast four times a day in each market.

Dee Ford CBE, Group Managing Director Radio, Bauer Radio comments, “We’re so pleased to be officially bringing the all-new Greatest Hits Radio Network to air today. It will be a major part of the UK’s biggest commercial radio network – offering the most popular music format in UK radio brought to life by the most loved and trusted broadcasters. Listeners from all corners of our nation will benefit from the local news and information they value and from having local teams support on-air and off-air initiatives. Advertisers, both locally and nationally, will be able to access deeply engaged audiences on all broadcast platforms.”

Stations will be available on FM and AM and also where possible DAB and IP, so that as listening continues its accelerating migration to digital, consumers will always be able to find the stations they love on all broadcast platforms.

– ENDS –

Further information:

Hits Radio Brand Network comprises:

  • Hits Radio – delivering a music proposition which is a soundtrack of the biggest hits and nostalgic throwback tracks and local breakfast shows.
  • Greatest Hits Radio – offering classic hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s alongside regional drive time and networked breakfast shows.
  • Country Hits Radio – playing the very best country pop music.

About Bauer Media Audio

Bauer Media Audio is Europe’s leading digital commercial broadcaster and audio operator. Experts in the power of sound, the company reaches over twenty-six million listeners daily through its market-leading broadcast radio, online services, and podcasts. Spanning 7 countries – the UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Poland and Slovakia, Bauer Media Audio owns leading brands including KISS, Mix Megapol, Absolute Radio, Radio Norge, Radio Expres, Radio Nova, Radio 100 and RMF

For further press information, please contact:

Cat Martin – Communications Director, Bauer Media Audio
cat.martin@bauermedia.co.uk – 07932 746363

Amelia O’Shea – Communications Manager, Bauer Media
Amelia.oshea@bauermedia.co.uk – 07718489342

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