Emap To Target Solent Audience With Kerrang Bid
Emap’s bid for the Solent FM radio licence will be made by its flagship rock station, Kerrang!, and fronted by rock-afficionado, and round the world yachtsman, Sir Chay Blyth.
Sir Chay CBE, MBE, will be non-executive chairman of the bid to bring Kerrang! to the Solent, using his experience as a prominent local businessman, as well as his knowledge of popular guitar-based music to secure the station’s second regional FM licence.
Famous for being the first yachtsman to sail non-stop ‘the wrong way’ around the world, Sir Chay explained his desire to push Kerrang! onto the Solent’s airwaves, stating: “I wanted to become involved in this bid due to the outstanding reputation of existing Emap radio stations that provide a dedication to local service and community involvement as well as live music and a keen support of local talent.”
He added: “Kerrang! Radio will make a real contribution to the welfare, support and encouragement of young people. In nautical terms we shall be using the tide of familiarity to bring in some exceptional cargoes of quality!”
The new licence covers the Solent area, comprising most parts of south Hampshire, East Dorset and the Isle of Wight, as well as the South-Western corner of West Sussex, reaching a potential audience of 1.25 million. The deadline for applications to Ofcom is 5 May.
Emap’s decision to bid for the licence with Kerrang! was made after extensive research in the area revealed a gap in the market for a rock station amongst frequencies dominated by mainstream commercial offerings. The bid follows Emap’s successful acquisition of the West Midlands FM licence with Kerrang! in 2003, with the Birmingham-based stattion launching in June 2005.
Joining Sir Chay on the Kerrang! 106 board will be Steve King, head of radio development at Emap Performance; Piers Kannangara, company director, designer, and promoter, and journalist and author, Peter Ashton.
Commenting on the bid, Steve King said: “The Solent area has a thriving rock and alternative scene whose tastes are not currently catered for by local commercial radio. It is the birthplace of the Isle of Wight music festival, a mecca for music lovers and rock aficionados, and has given rise to current day talents including The Ordinary Boys, The Delays and The Bees.
“Kerrang! Radio would provide access to classic rock as well as the current crop of talent and its dedication to local talent and supporting local live music would provide the springboard for the next generation of local bands.”
Emap: 01733 568 900 www.emap.co.uk