Eight stations in the Magic AM network have been approved a Format change to drop local shows and local news.
Ofcom says the request allows Magic to programme share all stations and not provide local news or information anywhere in the schedule.
Until now, the Magic AM format said local news should at least be hourly at peak time weekdays and weekends. This has now been removed to say that there are no requirements for it, but UK wide, nations and international news should feature.
Each Magic station currently has a local breakfast show whilst sharing the rest of the output.
If owners Bauer Media act upon the request, there will be at least seven breakfast presenters no longer required.
These format changes are in line with proposed requirements of the Digital Britain Report published in 2009, which allows stations on AM to network within their own nation.
Bauer says: “We believe these changes will not substantially alter the character of the service as Magic is a soft pop station and listener’s choice is driven by its music; the changes will not alter this.”
The request has also changed the music description from “A soft pop music led service” to “A classic soft pop music led service”.
Are you affected by these changes? Let us know.
Posted on Friday, February 1st, 2013 at 11:39 am by RadioToday UK