The UK division of Communicorp has launched two new radio stations this morning – after its deal with Global Radio in February.
The Denis O’Brien owned company is operating three Smooth Radio stations, in the North East, North West and East Midlands; two Heart-branded stations in Yorkshire and North Wales; two Capital FM’s, in Scotland and South Wales; and a classic rock station in Manchester called Real Radio XS.
Today, two Heart stations launched in Yorkshire and North Wales as a rebrand from the current Real Radio stations. They operate under a franchise agreement with Global Radio, and join the other 19 stations in the Heart network.
Tracy Eastwood is Managing Director of Heart Yorkshire and told RadioToday this morning: “I am very proud to be heading up the launch team of such a brilliant station for Yorkshire. It was a great launch with Dixie and Emma.
“The great music and entrainment we offer listeners along with the commercial opportunities we offer businesses in the region are outstanding. With our locally based presenters Dixie and Emma on Heart Breakfast, Rich Williams at Heart Drive and Ian Brannan at weekends we can connect you to the Heart of Yorkshire.”
Programmes are local at breakfast and drive, with the rest of the output from London.
Now all eyes are on Real Radio XS which has, until now, taken its name from Real Radio in the same way as TXFM does with Today FM. With Real no longer operating, a name change is expected.
Communicorp UK is the 4th biggest commercial radio group in the country in terms of audience.
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