Media regulator OfCom has told the Guardian's radio company GMG Radio that they can't axe jazz programming from their Smoooooooooth Radio stations in London and Manchester, both of which had some off peak jazz programming left over from their original incarnations as Jazz FM.
GMG have announced an intention to launch a new digital radio version of Jazz FM, and hoped that OfCom might let them take jazz off Smooth in return. But the regulator said last month that the launch of the digital service was irrelevant to licence obligations on the two FM services, and reviewed the proposals to cut jazz programming in isolation. They completed that review yesterday, and announced the jazz must stay. The regulator says the jazz programming is an important distinguishing feature between Smooth and other easy listening radio stations. Distinction is important - especially because the Bauer owned Magic are known to be concerned that Smooth are moving more and more into their territory on their patch.
Commenting on the finding, GMG Radio Group Programme Director John Simons told reporters: "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".