Global requests Capital FM format change

Global Radio has requested to change the formats of Capital FM Scotland and Capital FM Birmingham.

Both stations still carry music obligations from previous owners, something which Global is keen to remove to enable all stations using the Capital FM brand to have similar formats.[rss-cut]

Previously, Capital FM Scotland has been known as Xfm, Galaxy and originally Beat 106 and inherits parts of its format from these brands. In Birmingham, the station was originally licensed for listeners of Afro-Caribbean origin and still has reggae, RnB and hip hop music requirements.

These proposed changes would align the music output of Capital FM Scotland and Birmingham with other Capital FM services elsewhere in the UK, although they would still be required to broadcast locally-made programmes for at least seven hours each weekday daytime (including breakfast) and four hours on each of Saturday and Sunday.

Capital FM Scotland’s format includes requirements to provide “a fresh dynamic mix of new rock and dance music for Central Scotland for listeners below 39, with at least 30 hours a week of identifiable specialist music programmes”. The request is to replace these requirements with the following new requirements: “a rhythmic-based music-led service for 15-29 year-olds supplemented with news, information and entertainment. The service should have particular appeal for listeners in their 20s and at least 12 hours a week of identifiable specialist music programmes”.

Capital FM Birmingham’s format includes requirements to provide “a rhythmic-based music and information station primarily for listeners of African or Afro-Caribbean origin, but with cross-over appeal to young white fans of urban contemporary black music and at least 26 hours a week of identifiable specialist music programmes (to include reggae, RnB and hip hop rhythmic-based (e.g. dance, club etc.))”.

Global’s request is to replace these requirements with the following new requirements: “a rhythmic-based music-led service for 15-29 year-olds supplemented with news, information and entertainment. The service should have particular appeal for listeners in their 20s and at least 12 hours a week of identifiable specialist music programmes”.