Bauer acquires Jazz FM

Bauer Media Group has agreed to acquire Jazz FM, with the business keen to grow the station’s audience as jazz experiences a surge in popularity.

Bauer, which did not disclose the terms of the deal, described Jazz FM as a “respected and influential brand”, and wants to build commercial opportunities around its growing audience of 672,000 weekly listeners.

“I believe that Jazz FM’s expertise combined with our knowledge and experience in digital and personalised advertising technology such as Bauer’s InStream+ will propel the brand for both listeners and advertisers,” said Paul Keenan, CEO Bauer Media.

Jazz FM, which first launched in 1990, was previously owned by GMG Radio before a management buy-out, led by the now deceased Richard Wheatly, in 2009.

Under Bauer’s control, the station’s commercial operations will be managed by Steve Parkinson, group managing director of national Radio.