Bauer Media last week confirmed that five of the local radio stations that operate as part of its UK-wide Hits Radio Network will start taking more networked programming.
A plethora of local radio stations and brands sit under Bauer's Hits Radio Network, all of them sharing programming from the media firm's English and Scottish hubs as well as airing some locally made shows. Quite how much programming comes from the central hubs and how much is made locally has varied from station to station across the network.
CFM in Cumbria, Gem in the Midlands, MFR in North Scotland, The Wave in South Wales and Radio Borders on the English/Scottish border have all previously had local shows throughout the day, but moving forward only the breakfast show will be locally made.
Bauer admitted that this development "means some jobs are under review", but also added that "some new roles are also being created to support the network".
Commenting on the change, Gary Stein, Content Director for the Hits Radio Network, said: “We are committed to ensuring the future of radio in local markets and these changes will enable the Hits Radio Network to compete for listeners more effectively in a fast-changing audio landscape. Along with these new programmes, listeners will continue to have access to local news content, local information and traffic and travel that is important to them".