Bauer urges industry to respond to GMG deal

Bauer Media is asking the rest of the radio industry to submit their views on the Global / GMG Radio takeover.

Bauer chief executive Paul Keenan, talking to RadioToday.co.uk said the move would change the face of radio forever and feels the consultation isn’t getting much profile.

“We were very concerned when the takeover was announced. Global Radio taking over all of GMG Radio is a significant landmark and Jeremy Hunt’s decision to ask for feedback during a time when people are distracted with the Olympics and potentially on summer holidays is not good.”

Bauer has been talking to major advertising groups, MPs and clients, encouraging them and the rest of the radio industry to respond to the consultations.

“The outcome would be less choice for listeners – we are concerned for the short and long term implications this deal could bring. Ofcom should be looking at more than just news provision,” Paul continued.

It was less than two weeks ago when Jeremy Hunt announced he wanted reports from both Ofcom and the OFT on the proposed deal, delaying the completion of the deal by another two or three months. Experts suggest we could be looking at next April or May before Global find out if they need to offload any assets.

Hunt asked Ofcom for a report on plurality and OFT for a report on the competition and jurisdictional aspects of the transaction on August 3rd.

He says: “When I receive the Ofcom report I will consider their independent advice carefully before deciding whether the matter should also be referred to the Competition Commission for a more detailed investigation of the plurality concerns.”