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Ofcom has rejected GMG’s proposal to drop its mandatory 45 hours of jazz music from its Smooth format in both the North West and London. GMG has responded with a statement stressing the firm’s “disappointment” at the decision.
The firm had hoped that its plans to re-launch Jazz FM on digital formats in London, the West Midlands and the North West would remove its licenced obligation to play jazz music on Smooth FM – an obligation it currently meets by ‘ghettoizing’ the genre and broadcasting it through the night, while sticking to its usual play lists in the daytime. However, Ofcom’s public consultation on the matter received more negative than positive responses (out of 42 logged, 28 were against the change), with rival Bauer stating that the plans amounted to “format-creep.”The problem stems from GMG’s original purchase of the Jazz FM brand and licence, which it then re-launched as Smooth. Bosses at the radio division of the firm now stress that the station’s format and listener profile has changed as a result, whereas it appears as though Ofcom have responded simply that ‘a licence is a licence’ and the broadcaster must stick to its stipulations. In a statement released yesterday, GMG Radio group programme director John Simons said: “We’re disappointed at the decision which is a frustration as it’s clear to see that this genre of music no longer sits comfortably alongside Smooth Radio’s new sound, which the listeners love. “We will encourage Ofcom to continue lobbying the DCMS to change the existing legislation which cannot link the consideration of changes to analogue radio to that of proposed changes to DAB services. If this is successful we will reapply for the format change.” GMG added that it will continue with its plans to relaunch Jazz FM on the DAB format “despite Ofcom’s decision.” Something to add? Then leave a comment below or email us now.
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