Jobs put at risk as Global announces Smooth Radio's programming and sales teams will be integrated into London HQ
A number of jobs have been put at risk as Global Radio begins to integrate parts of Real & Smooth Radio Ltd into its business.
The news comes following a group-wide announcement this morning where it was revealed to staff that Smooth programming and sales teams in London and West Midlands would be merging with Global teams in London.
Smooth Radio’s programming team consisting of presenters, journalists, producers and administrators, currently based in Manchester, will now transfer to London. With programming to be handled by Global’s London headquarters in Leicester Square.
Glasgow-based Smooth Radio will continue to take networked shows from London, along with locally produced breakfast and drivetime shows.
A spokesperson for Global Radio has told the press that the programming team will relocate at “the beginning of October”.
Adding: “The Real and Smooth Limited Direct sales team will also relocate to Leicester Square and to the new Global broadcast centre in Birmingham by October. Remaining areas of business will continue to operate under hold separate.”
The two companies have been operating in a hold separate situation since Global Radio purchased GMG Radio in June 2012, the Competition Commission has been investigating the takeover ever since with recommendations top sell stations, including Smooth Radio in a number of regions. In March Global offered to sell Real XS and Gold East Midlands, but the deal was rejected by the Competition Commission.
A tribunal will now take place in October to argue against the Competition Commission’s suggestion that Global sell stations in Wales, Scotland, the Northeast, Northwest, East Midlands and Yorkshire. The only regions the Competition Commission is allowing Global to keep all stations are London and the West Midlands.
