GMG Radio Set To Launch New Northern Station

GMG Radio is set to launch a new radio station called Smooth FM across the North West of England.

Smooth FM, which will launch in March 2004, will continue to air tracks played on the now defunct Jazz FM, but also aims to appeal to a much broader market.

The move follows the results of extensive research by GMG Radio in the Northwest which reveals that the name Smooth FM would appeal to a much wider audience than Jazz FM.

The new station will showcase a large mix of music from artists including Rod Stewart, Norah Jones and Jamie Cullum as well as more traditional musicians such as Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin.

Smooth FM will broadcast to 5.3 million adults across the Manchester, Liverpool, and Lancashire regions and will be supported by a significant marketing campaign.

Commenting on the new station, John Myers, chief executive of GMG radio, said: “We are sorry to see the name Jazz FM go in the North West but this is a great opportunity to establish a new brand that will have broader appeal to potential new listeners.”

GMG Radio has promoted Julian Carter to the position of director of sales, following the departure of Jon Hewson earlier this year (see GMG Radio Appoints Carter Director Of Sales).

Guardian Media Group: 020 7278 2332 www.gmgplc.co.uk

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