Two of Bauer Media's digital radio stations are moving out of London. Q will move to Birmingham to share resources with Kerrang!, whilst heat radio will move in with Key 103 and The Hits in Manchester.
Reports suggest up to 15 jobs will be lost in the move, which could result in less investment in each of the brands programming, with fewer presenters dedicated to the output.
Both stations have relaunched with extra investment over the last couple of years, but this latest move suggets a return to their former 'jukebox' style programming.
Bauer released this statement: [i]"Q Radio and Heat Radio are digital stations within Bauer Media's strong network of leading radio brands, and we are therefore well positioned to take advantage of broadcasting from studios around England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
We are proposing to move production of Q Radio to share facilities and resources with our leading Birmingham-based station, Kerrang!, to create a new centre of rock in the Midlands.
We are also proposing to transfer production of Heat Radio to Manchester, home to Smash Hits, the Hits, Magic 1152 and the city's number one station, Key 103. Both stations, however, will retain studios in London. We are immensely proud of both Q Radio and Heat Radio and our commitment to the stations and the quality programming they deliver remains the same as ever."[/i]
