Harrogate MP calls for 'reassurances' over Stray FM rebranding

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has written to the head of the Bauer Media Group seeking reassurances on the future of local radio station, Stray FM.
Concern over the future of Stray FM - Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones.Concern over the future of Stray FM - Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones.
Concern over the future of Stray FM - Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones.

Mr Jones's appeal to Dee Ford CBE, the Bauer Media Group's group managing director, follows the multi-media group's announcement last week that Harrogate's commercial radio station was to be renamed GREATEST HITS RADIO North Yorkshire.

Bauer Media Group, who have owned Stray FM since early 2019, has said it needed to integrate all its local radio stations to ensure that it remained profitable and could stay on the air successfully

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Mr Jones said: “I gave my first interview to Stray FM nearly 20 years ago. I was interviewed by the legendary Steve Parsley.

“And the news is one part of the brilliant parts of Stray Fm. It’s local, it’s interesting, it’s current and it’s presented by people we know and trust.

“But it’s more than that. It is a radio station that supports local events and charities. It’s a station that supports the community and the community repays this by supporting the station.

“The businesses that advertise on there aren’t faceless national corporations. They are local brands and companies who are part of the fabric of our area.

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“I don’t want to lose any of that. That is why I was disappointed that this winning formula is set to change. I have written to Bauer Media Group’s Chief Executive to seek reassurances on those points.”

Mr Jones has also raised the issue with the Minister of State for Local Radio and has written to OFCOM seeking clarity on licence requirements for local radio should the reassurances he seeks from Bauer not be given.

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