Following speculation before Christmas regarding jobs cuts within Emap, RadioToday.co.uk can reveal around 40 jobs are set to be axed from Emap's local radio stations in England and Scotland. Management told staff at meetings across the radio network this afternoon.
As Ofcom relaxes rules and concentrates on radio output rather than input, Emap are looking at ways of offering listeners the same output, but making more use of technology which in turn means less staff needed to do the same job.
A spokesperson for Emap told RadioToday.co.uk: "In an increasingly competitive marketplace, each station has to be in the best possible shape and this move is in line with Emap PLC’s stated goal of increasing operational efficiencies across all of its businesses. Each of Emap’s local radio stations still remains as committed as they always have been to creating the best content for local audiences."
Emap have drawn up plans, they say, will safeguard audiences and positioning for future growth. A number of roles in various departments are at risk of redundancy, but with technology being blamed for the cuts, it will most likely be news and programming which suffers most.
However, no newsrooms will be closed, and journalists will continue to be employed at every local radio station, the company confirmed today.
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