Programme team shuffled at Real NW

Real Radio North West Programme Director Dave Shearer has been made redundant by GMG Radio after more than three years in charge of the station’s output.

In a programme mamangement shuffle, current Head of Presentation Kyle Evans has been promoted to Programme Controller, and Real Radio Brand PD Mark Matthews will oversee the output in the region.

Shearer joined the station originally covering maternity leave for Sarah Graham in February 2008. A GMG Radio spokesperson told RadioToday.co.uk: “Following a review of the senior programming role at Real Radio in the North West, the position of Programme Director is to be made redundant and regrettably Dave Shearer will be leaving the business.

“Dave has contributed greatly to the station over the last three and a half years, working on the re-brand from Century to Real, developing audience loyalty and playing a leading role in events such as the Blackpool Illuminations partnership and last year’s Real Big Bash at the MEN Arena. We wish him every success in his next venture.”

Dave Shearer told RadioToday.co.uk: “I’ve had a great three and half years at GMG Radio and would like to thank everyone in the team for their hard work and dedication in a such a competitive market. I’d particularly like to thank Andy Carter for his support and help. I have no doubt that as the Sony Gold Station of The Year, Real Radio will go from strength to strength and I genuinley wish everyone continued success.”

Dave previously worked at Century FM North West when it was owned by GCap Media, and local stations Red Rose Gold and Radio City. Prior to joining Real Radio he was at Wave 105, where he won Programmer of the Year at the European Radio Awards in Barcelona.

New Programme Controller Kyle Evans has been with GMG since 2000, working at Real Radio in Wales, Yorkshire and the North West. He previously worked at stations including BBC Radio Wales and Red Dragon.

GMG Radio Group Programme Director John Simons said: “Kyle has a great track record. He’s a great addition to the senior programming structure and together with Mark, I am sure will strive to continue the production of award winning content, that is Dave’s legacy to the station.”