The final part of integrating former Scottish Radio Holding stations into the Emap stable is set to be completed with the promotion of Travis Baxter to Managing Director of the larger group. All northern Magic and former SRH stations will now be part of the Big City Network.
Big City will evolve from its current structure of 2 major operating centres (Manchester and Glasgow) into a devolved business with 7 powerful operating regions (Northern Ireland, West Scotland, East Scotland, Grampian, North East England, Yorkshire and North West England).
Each region will be led by a regional Managing Director who will be responsible for delivering audience, revenue and profit growth in line with Emap Radio's fast growth objectives. As the Big City Network is an internal management division rather than a consumer facing brand, there will be no changes to any branding or station sound.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Emap Radio Scotland & Northern Ireland, Steve Parkinson will return to London to take on his wider group role, leading the marketing and communications function across Emap Radio. Operationally, Steve will set up a division-wide research-focused team to support all stations in their ability to anticipate changing audience and customer needs through the effective sharing of research across the business.
He will also integrate audience insight with other parts of ECM and Emap Advertising, and will oversee the brand strategy and media planning aspects of the marketing function.
Steve will also focus on the creation of an effective pan radio and pan Emap cross promotional plan for our brands. In regards to communications, Steve will instigate a cohesive plan for internal and external communications to promote both Emap Radio and our range of exciting brands.