Bauer Media have agreed a deal to acquire DAB+ station Jazz FM. The news reveal yesterday, and sees a further attempt to expand, as well as the loss of another independently owned station.
It would appear Bauer intend to expand Jazz FM’s offering, but it is unclear what their plans are for the station. What is certain is that there will be cost cutting measures implemented. Jazz FM is likely to move studios to share facilities with existing Bauer radio stations.
Jazz FM has had a chequered history. Its FM outlets were converted into Smooth Radio a number of years ago. The station now only broadcasts on digital platforms. Jazz FM was subsequently on the D1 national DAB multiplex, but spent a period of time as on-line only station, before joining the SDL near national multiplex when the multiplex launched in February 2015.