Global Radio, owners of the expanding Xfm network of radio stations in Britain, has denied rumours that the brand is coming to Dublin.
Rumours have been circulating over the weekend about a name change for Phantom 105.2 after cuts were made at the station on Friday. But Global Radio, which recently sold eight radio stations to Communicorp, tells RadioToday there is no truth in the rumour.
The recent registration of xfm.ie by Communicorp’s Chief Technical Officer Pat Balfe adds to the speculation that the company is intending to use the name. Communicorp, a major shareholder in Phantom, houses the station at its Marconi House HQ along with Today FM and Newstalk.
Dublin Rock Radio Ltd, operators of Phantom 105.2, had accumulated losses of €4.2 million at the end of 2012 and has three shareholders in total. Xfm London was one of the bidders for the Contract which was eventually won by Phantom.
The move would no doubt anger XFM Dublin, which has been operating online for a number of years.
Communicorp is about to franchise three radio brands from Global Radio in the UK – Capital FM, Smooth Radio and Heart. Xfm, currently operating in London and Manchester, will be launching in Glasgow later this year.
At the time of writing, Communicorp has not responded to requests for comments.
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