Real Radio Wales managing director exits

Tony Dowling, managing director of Real Radio Wales is leaving the company after 15 years in commercial radio to join a newspaper group.

He’s been MD Real Radio for almost five years, in which time he saw the expansion of the station into North Wales, when the station won the licence for mid and north Wales. Before that he was Sales Manager/Director after leaving Swansea Sound / The Wave in 2001.

He leaves to become managing director of South West Wales Media – publishers of the South Wales Evening Post. He said: “I’m so excited to be coming home to work for one of the most respected voices in local media. I feel privileged to lead the team at this pivotal time and I’m looking forward to working with everyone at South West Wales Media.”

The station is set to start networking all programmes except breakfast and drive with sister stations in England and Scotland from Monday, meaning only seven hours a day will originate from the station’s base in Cardiff.

Real Radio Wales has been purchased by Global Radio but is currently trading in a Hold Separate position along with the rest of the former GMG Radio stations until the Competition Commission decides whether the acquisition may result in a substantial lessening of competition.