GCap axes 2 radio services

**Analoguesat** · 11-02-2008

Goodbye to Planet Rock and The Jazz

GCap is closing digital-only stations theJazz and Planet Rock and selling its stake in Digital One, chief executive Fru Hazlitt announced today.

It is part of a package of reforms she says will increase annual profit by £12.3m with the aim of preventing a takeover by Global Radio.

Hazlitt said DAB was "not an economically viable platform for the company" which wants to focus "on platforms that listeners want and that generate higher revenues and profit".

Digital Spy

_http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/a89057
/gcap-to-close-two-digital-stations.html

**Llew** · 11-02-2008

Another DAB favourite of mine down the plughole (thejazz).

I'm now reduced to listening to the birdsong on oneword's vacant channel on DAB

At least thejazz is still on 28E

Llew

**Analoguesat** · 11-02-2008

Wont be for much longer Llew - They are going completely with closure pencilled in by March 31st.

The non london XFM analogues are under threat as well. If they cant be sold their licences will be handed back to Ofcon on March 28th

**Llew** · 11-02-2008

Originally Posted by Analoguesat

Wont be for much longer Llew - They are going completely with closure pencilled in by March 31st.

What? Are you serious Ross? Thejazz disappearing from all digital platforms? I thought it had built up a big listener base since its inception

Llew

**Analoguesat** · 11-02-2008

Afraid so mate.

From the Guardian website:
_http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/feb/11/gcapmedia.commercialradio

GCap Media is to close its digital radio stations TheJazz and Planet Rock and sell its stake in national digital radio operator Digital One as part of a £9m cost-cutting package unveiled today.

The Capital and Classic FM parent will also sell off its Xfm analogue radio licences in Scotland, Manchester and south Wales but retain the music station's London operation.

GCap said it would aim to boost profits by £12.3m, helped by cost-cutting that would save it £8.8m a year.

It follows a strategic review by the GCap chief executive, Fru Hazlitt, after the company rejected a preliminary approach from privately owned Global Radio valuing it at around £313m.

"Today we are announcing a radical but realistic set of measures with the aim of delivering significant improvements to profits and operating margins and positioning GCap Media for long-term sustainable growth," said Hazlitt.

"GCap Media will become a leaner and more dynamic company focused on maximising the revenue and profit potential of five key brands on FM and broadband, the platforms that we believe consumers want and which offer the greatest growth opportunities."

And a long stock market news release:

_http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=20080211070000P9AF4

Key initiatives
* Closure of non-core brands theJazz and Planet Rock

* Disposal of Xfm regional analogue licences in Scotland, South Wales and
Manchester and focusing on Xfm's heritage as a London brand and with a
national broadband footprint

* Significant cost savings across the business

* Disposal of Digital One, leading to reduced DAB transmission fees

* Increasing inventory at Capital 95.8 to meet demand from advertisers

* Further operating and capital expenditure of £0.8 million in technology to
enhance our revenue performance

**Llew** · 11-02-2008

These damned metrocentric beancounters are only interested in 'maximising value' for their London based stations.

Anything outside the metropolis can go hang as far as they're concerned.

**Analoguesat** · 11-02-2008

I found this rather sad picture on the Planet Rock website.

Any rock fan who wannts to show their support for the station - go to the website:

_http://www.planetrock.co.uk/article.asp?id=580251

**dasteelman** · 11-02-2008

I think we will see more dropping like flies in the near future

**PaulR** · 11-02-2008

At least it's up for sale. There's a chance that it won't disappear.

How they can consider closing Planet Rock I just don't know. Its position at 0110 in the $ly numbering scheme surely indicates its popularity.

But then again - when did being well liked mean that it makes enough money for the soulless bean counters in charge?

**sprog** · 12-02-2008

Sad news indeed about Planet Rock, Its all I listen to in work since I found it. What am I to do at 11:30 each morning instead of the Anorak quiz ? :-(

**PaulR** · 14-02-2008

Brian May is supporting Planet Rock's fight for survival.

Yes, I'm really sad about Planet Rock closing. It's been a great station ... the only one of its kind in the UK.

Can I buy it?!

Cheers
Bri

Hope he's serious!

http://www.brianmay.com/brian/brianssb/brianssb.html

**Llew** · 14-02-2008

LOL, Maybe millionaire crooner Jamie Cullum should do the same for TheJazz - he gets plenty of airtime on the station.

Llew

**mhku** · 15-02-2008

Shame about theJazz. Their website doesn't make it very easy to listen online though.

**sprog** · 02-06-2008

Planet Rock Saved?

See link, looks like someone out bid Brian May and purchased the station, lets hope it continues to broadcast!

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/to...cle4039912.ece

**Analoguesat** · 30-06-2008

Originally Posted by Llew

Another DAB favourite of mine down the plughole (thejazz).

I'm now reduced to listening to the birdsong on oneword's vacant channel on DAB

At least thejazz is still on 28E

Llew

It looks like Jazz FM is to relaunch - The brand has been sold:

_http://blogs.rnw.nl/medianetwork/jazz-fm-to-be-relaunched-in-the-uk

**Llew** · 01-07-2008

Good news indeed. As long as it doesn't morph into the easy listening, smooth jazz style of the original station...

Llew

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)