GCap boss predicts more UK radio mergers

GCap chief Ralph Bernard is predicting further consolidation in the UK radio industry, but says that his company is not currently in a position to participate in any mergers or acquisitions. Speaking to Media Week, he says that with Chrysalis and EMAP both undertaking reviews of their radio divisions, he expected some movement in radio station ownership in the coming year. With the planned merger of the Scottish and Northern Irish ITV companied, SMG and UTV, now seemingly off for good, Bernard also suggests that both those companies, who currently own Virgin Radio and TalkSport respectively, may now look to expand by acquiring more radio assets. However, he said that GCap, itself the creation of the merger between two UK radio giants, GWR and Capital, is not looking to engage in any acquisition in the near future, with Bernard saying his personal energies were currently being used to help turn the group's flagship pop station, Capital Radio, back into London's number one.