The Local Radio Company closes Mix 107

LONDON - The Local Radio Company is to close its High Wycombe-based station Mix 107 on 1 July and hand the licence back to Ofcom.

Shut down: TLRC to close Mix 107 station
Shut down: TLRC to close Mix 107 station

It is understood that prior to radio investment vehicle UKRD gaining control of TLRC earlier this year, TLRC's previous management had intended to co-locate Mix 107 with another station. However, UKRD has decided to close the station because it does not believe Mix 107 has a viable future.

Most of the nine staff working at Mix 107 will be redeployed within TLRC, although it is understood there may be one or two redundancies.

The move is part of a wider plan by TLRC's new owners to cut the number of stations at the radio company from 20, to between 12 and 14.

Earlier in June, TLRC sold Macclesfield radio station Silk FM for a nominal sum, as well as its 80% stake in Fire Media, which broadcasts Bournemouth station Fire, for £1, plus a deferred payment of a reported £40,000

UKRD, led by chief executive William Rogers, took control of TLRC, which at the time operated 20 local radio stations, including Arrow FM, Wessex FM and The Quay, after a takeover battle with Hallwood, an investor group led by TLRC chairman Anthony Gumbiner.

It is believed TLRC is unlikely to close more stations, but chief executive Rogers said the executive board "is reviewing TLRC's portfolio and there are likely to be further changes".

The UKRD management has now taken full responsibility for TLRC and alongside Rogers, the executive team includes Roger Humm, group finance director, Phil Angell, group programme director, and James Wenger, chief technology officer.

Peter Gordon, who presents a show on 96.4 Eagle in Surrey, will take the role of deputy group programme director of TLRC, Dave Coull is to be group music manager and Tristan Hunkin will be the group head of news.

Jason Bryant, who was appointed managing director of TLRC's local stations' division in December 2008, will continue to work at the company to help the transition process.

Market Reports

Get unprecedented new-business intelligence with access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s new Market Reports.

Find out more

Enjoying ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s content?

 Get unlimited access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s premium content for your whole company with a corporate licence.

Upgrade access

Looking for a new job?

Get the latest creative jobs in advertising, media, marketing and digital delivered directly to your inbox each day.

Create an alert now

Partner content