GMG Creates £1m Programming Fund
Guardian Media Group Radio has created a £1 million fund to invest in new programming initiatives for its range of brands across the UK.
In what is believed to be the biggest single investment in content in commercial radio, the newly created budget will be aimed at anyone who has a great programming idea. In particular, the fund will be aimed at a range of independent producers and internet programme providers who wish to submit proposals for commission, in a bid to stimulate new creativity in the sector.
The investment by GMG Radio will see the group become the biggest commercial supporter of independent radio productions across its Smooth, Real, Century and Rock Radio brands and as such will be able to compete against broadcasters like BBC Radio 2 for new commissions and programming ideas.
John Myers, GMG Radio chief executive, said: “Whether it’s music, documentaries, comedy or sport, we will consider all innovative ideas that fit across our formats.
“This is the most significant programming investment in recent years, enabling us to enhance our output and deliver more compelling content.
“There is no reason why the BBC should take all the best ideas. The unique ownership structure of GMG is one of the main reasons we are able to deliver this level of investment outside of our normal programming needs.”
GMG Radio is home to 11 radio stations across the UK. It will launch two further stations under the Smooth Radio and Rock Radio brands in the North East of England and Manchester in the coming months.
Simon Cole, chief executive of UBC Media, said: “It’s very welcome news that GMG has taken the lead in making a commitment to the independent production sector on behalf of commercial radio. As a company involved in the provision of programming to both the BBC and commercial radio, we understand that in commissioning quality programming ‘you get what you pay for’.
“Independent productions were responsible for almost a quarter of the 110 Sony nominations and 6 out of the BBC’s 20 Gold Awards this year so GMG can be very confident that this move will lead to some quality programming.”
John Walker, head of radio at OMD UK said: “Programming that ‘pulls’ listeners to commercial radio away from the competition is invaluable to advertisers and this investment from GMG shows a real belief in what they are doing and a real commitment to the future. For the sake of the commercial radio industry we can only hope this is a success for GMG and it encourages the other groups to follow suit.”
GMG recently appointed Stuart Taylor, commercial director of Guardian News and Media, as the commercial director of GMG Radio, and also the managing director of Smooth Radio in London (see GMG Continues Expansion With Creation Of New Role).
Following the acquisition of the Century and Saga stations last year (see Smooth Transition For New Radio Transmission), GMG Radio is said to be on course to become the UK’s third largest commercial radio group by listening hours by the end of 2007.
GMG Radio yesterday appointed Sarah Bellamy as its first director of digital media. She joins the senior management team from her position as commercial operations director of Endemol UK.
Guardian Media Group: 020 7713 4452 www.gmgplc.co.uk