Global media has announced a major reshuffle of its substantial radio pack – with a number of programmes being axed and replaced by UK-wide breakfast shows.
Stats by Radio Today show 95 local radio hosts could lose their jobs and hundreds more may be out of work as a result of the massive cull.
But Global says the restructure will create the three biggest commercial radio breakfast shows in the UK.
Capital London's breakfast show, hosted by Vick Hope and Roman Kemp, will replace 14 breakfast programmes on the Capital network in England, Scotland and Wales.
Meanwhile Heart will play a single breakfast show across the regions instead of the current throng of 22 unique shows.
What's more, their 23 drivetime shows will be reduced to just 10, while Capital is set to cut its home-time offering from 14 to nine programmes.
Global predict 4.8m, 3.7m and 2.7m listeners will tune in every week to their revamped breakfast shows when the changes go through.
However, shadow culture secretary and Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson told the BBC it was a "terrible blow".
He added: "The loss of more than 100 local radio jobs across the country is a travesty and particularly damaging at a time when local news is already under extreme pressure.
"Replacing local voices with London-based presenters will be a terrible loss to communities across the country."
The changes have been approved by Ofcom and radio premises are soon to be closed across the UK.
Sites up for closure include Brighton, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Exeter, Gloucester, Kendal, Kent, Lancaster, Norwich and Swindon.
Insiders believe Global's biggest rival, Bauer Radio, will see a similar restructure take place in the near future.
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.
Source: Read Full Article