Ofcom has approved the requested Format change for 102.2 Smooth FM. From next year, the station will be transformed into an easy-listening station targeting over-50s, with lifestyle speech.
This approval will allow the station's Format to change from delivering a soul-based service during the day with specialist jazz in the evening, to deliver more news and speech during the day, while retaining the 45 hours of specialist jazz out of daytime.
John Myers, Chief Executive of owners GMG Radio is delighted with the news and told RadioToday.co.uk: "Good news for Smooth and now we can really give Radio 2 a run for their money. Ofcom's decision is a vote for common sense and a step in the right direction."
Next week the company will be appying for the South Wales regional licence with a similar over-50s format, under the brand name of Variety Radio.
Full details from Ofcom:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/smooth/statement/
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