Media firm Global has bought another local radio company in England, though this acquisition is unlikely to be that noticeable on-air given the acquired company was already mainly airing programming produced by its new owner.
Global entered into a licensing deal with Midlands-based Quidem back in 2019. That meant that the frequencies previously used by Quidem-owned local radio stations Touch FM, Banbury Sound and Rugby FM all became new outposts for Global's Capital FM network.
Quidem was still responsible for the commercial and sales side of the stations, but the programming mainly came from Global's London-base, albeit with a localised drive time show.
However, Global will now own and operate those stations out-right. The media firm confirmed the purchase of Quidem to Radio Today, stating: “We can confirm the acquisition and are pleased to be welcoming Quidem to the Global family".
Radio Today notes that, under its licences from media regulator OfCom, Global will not be obliged to continue making a localised drive time show for the former Quidem frequencies, and could instead have a single programme in that time slot across central England. Though it's not yet clear if that will happen.