Jazz FM Acquisition Passes Public Interest Test

It has been determined by the Radio Authority that the proposed acquisition of Jazz FM by Guardian Media Group (GMG)(see Jazz FM Agrees To £44.5m Takeover By GMG) could not be expected to operate against the public interest, subject to one condition.

The positive determination was made subject to GMG agreeing to maintain a separate news facility with independent editorial control within Jazz FM 100.4’s measured coverage area. However, unlike in previous cases, the Authority has not imposed an additional condition prohibiting “conditional selling”, as members agreed that this was unnecessary since conditional selling is already prohibited under OFT regulations.

Because Jazz FM Northwest (broadcasting as Jazz FM 100.4) holds a regional commercial radio licence in the North West of England, while GMG publishes several newspapers including the Manchester Evening News in the area, the Authority was required to conduct a cross media public interest test.

In order to reach the determination, issues such as the possible reduction in plurality of ownership, diversity of sources of opinions expressed, the possible benefits of GMG holding the licence instead of a company not connected to a newspaper proprietor and the effect on the operation of the market in the area were taken into consideration.

Guardian Media Group: 020 7278 2332 www.gmgplc.co.uk Jazz FM: 020 7706 4100 www.jazzfm.com Radio Authority: 020 7430 2724 www.radioauthority.org.uk

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