Top Harrogate figure says Stray FM 'precious' to town as fears grow over changes

A leading figure in Harrogate's hospitality sector has said he's "devastated" as fears grow over the possible downgrading of Stray FM's local independence and community character.
Simon Cotton, managing director of the HRH Group, which owns The Yorkshire Hotel, The White Hart and The Fat Badger, said Stray FM was "precious" to the town.Simon Cotton, managing director of the HRH Group, which owns The Yorkshire Hotel, The White Hart and The Fat Badger, said Stray FM was "precious" to the town.
Simon Cotton, managing director of the HRH Group, which owns The Yorkshire Hotel, The White Hart and The Fat Badger, said Stray FM was "precious" to the town.

Harrogate's radio station is one of 49 of 56 FM licences acquired by German multimedia conglomerate Bauer Media Group in 2019 which will now be renamed and join the company's Hits Radio Brand Network, creating the UK’s largest commercial radio network.

Stray FM will now be known as Greatest Hits Radio playing music from the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

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Local news, sport, weather and travel are expected to continue, though to what degree has yet to be announced by the new owners who have confirmed that some roles at Stray FM will be put into consultation and freelance contracts will be reviewed.

Simon Cotton, managing director of the HRH Group, which owns The Yorkshire Hotel, The White Hart and The Fat Badger, said the radio station was precious to the town and had played an important role in its life for decades.

Mr Cotton said: "It's terrible news and I'm devastated to learn that a number of jobs at Stray FM may be at risk.

"Stray FM have championed being 'local' and have been at the forefront of supporting so many events like the Knaresborough Bed Race, Harrogate International Festivals events, the annual christmas lights fundraiser and switch on, local awards like the Harrogate Hospitality Awards and so, so much more."

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Bauer Media say they are fully committed to supporting all affected employees throughout this period and will be working closely with them over the months ahead.

But Mr Cotton expressed the fears of many in Harrogate that the changes would of necessity, make the radio station less able to support local groups and events.

Mr Cotton said: "The team at Stray FM are very precious to the town. They are engaging with the people and businesses and are hugely supportive of many charity functions and events year round.

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"I don't think people can under-estimate the loss of having a truly local radio station, especially in the times we're now living in.

"They give live updates about traffic and local issues and connect with the kids at local schools with fun promotions through the year but also giving live updates when school closures are happening.

"Radio is one of those things that easily combines the fun of listening to music, with local information updates, competitions and more while helping connect the community."

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