Bauer Media Group has today announced it will acquire Wireless local stations across England and Wales in its third acquisition this week.

Wireless is made up of fifteen licences across Lancashire, Cheshire, Shropshire, Derbyshire, West Yorkshire, Staffordshire and South Wales.

Paul Keenan, CEO Bauer Media and European Radio commented: “We are delighted with our acquisition of Wireless local licences. This group of established, successful stations complements our existing portfolio and extends our reach and local advertising offer to new areas of the UK“.

Wireless local stations, with a weekly reach of 850,000 listeners, build on Bauer’s previous successful acquisitions of Celador Radio and Lincs FM Group.

He adds: “The Wireless local stations acquisition further underlines our belief in the UK and in radio. Outstanding content and growing audiences have driven three years of consecutive records for UK radio ad revenue. As the medium grows ever-more digital and adapts to new listening devices the opportunity expands to offer new and interesting services for listeners and advertisers. It’s a very exciting time to be in the audio business.“

Scott Taunton, CEO of Wireless, adds: “Wireless local radio teams are talented professionals who serve their audiences with great passion. They are defined by their dedication to local journalism and commitment to serving their local communities. The stations are thriving, as yesterday’s RAJARs underline. We believe these local stations will find a good home with Bauer.”

He continues: “Wireless is a key priority for News UK, and this deal allows us to continue investing in our growing digital and national stations, talkSPORT, talkSPORT2, talkRADIO and Virgin Radio, and our successful Irish businesses.”

-Ends-

For Further information:

Cat Martin
Communications Director, Bauer Media
0207 432 3317/07932 746 363
cat.martin@bauermedia.co.uk

Chris Taylor
Deputy Director of Communications, News UK
07980 221942
chris.taylor@news.co.uk

About Bauer Media UK:

Bauer Media UK reaches over 22 million UK consumers through a portfolio of world-class, multi-platform media and entertainment brands including heat, KISS, Grazia, Empire, Magic, Absolute Radio and the Hits Radio Network. These brands offer commercial partners access to highly engaged audiences, with creative solutions underpinned by insight and instinct. Bauer Media UK is part of the Bauer Media Group, one of the world’s largest privately owned media businesses with media assets all over the globe.

About Bauer Media Group:

The Bauer Media Group is one of the world’s most successful media companies. We embrace tradition while still keeping our finger on the pulse. Our people create magazines, digital formats, and radio on four continents. With more than 700 magazines, 400 digital products, and 100+ radio stations, we inform and entertain millions of people every day. Simultaneously, we are shaping tomorrow: with investments in online comparison platforms and other young business models, we are setting the course for a successful future as a global portfolio company.

About Wireless

Wireless is a leading UK and Irish media company, and part of News UK. It comprises national radio stations including talkSPORT – the world’s biggest sports radio station and global audio partner of the Premier League, talkSPORT 2, talkRADIO and Virgin Radio. It also includes radio stations across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, an advertising house sales house based in Dublin and a growing digital division incorporating Simply Zesty and Tibus. www.wirelessgroup.co.uk