Five stations in south-west England close

Five radio stations in the south-west have been closed following months of uncertainty over their ownership.

Bath FM, Brunel FM in Swindon, 3TR FM in Warminster and two QuayWest FM stations in Somerset all stopped broadcasting at 5pm yesterday, moments after staff had been made redundant and assets had been removed, according to reports.

All stations are now transmitting continuous music from an emergency back-up disc, with the exception of 3TR FM, which is technically on-air but silent.

The stations’ previous owner South West Radio went into administration last year.  Since then, the new operator, Your Communications Group, has been trying to acquire the licences, however, all attempts were refused by Ofcom.

Your Communications Group was also placed into administration today.

As a result, Kirk Hills, an administrator, is looking after the licences, although it is understood that another local radio group, Star Radio Cheltenham, will take over the assets and broadcast licences.  Although, Ofcom would need to approve a transfer of ownership for this to happen.