GWR Increases Stake In Marcher To 100%

GWR group, which yesterday released its interim results (see Revenues On The Rise At GWR As Investments Eat Into Profits), has increased its investment in the Marcher Radio Group from 20 to 100%. In addition, Opus is to take over the national sales responsibility from Clear Channel Radio Sales. This will cover stations Buzz 97.1, Champion FM, Coast FM 96.3, Marcher Gold and MFM 103.4.

The move will also lead to new appointments to head up the group. Josh Easby, previously executive chairman of Minster Group and Stray FM, has been appointed managing director of the Marcher group. He will be joined by Sarah Smithard, a GWR veteran of more than ten years, who will become sales director. Clive Douthwaite has been asked to work alongside Smithard in implementing training and sales systems at Marcher during the next six months.

The new programme controller will be Graham Ledger, whose career has included involvement in the launch of the Century and Magic brands in the North. The former managing director of Marcher, Godfrey Williams, will remain involved with the group in the role of non-executive chairman.

GWR: 020 7284 3000

Subscribers can access further information on GWR and other radio groups by selecting “Radio” from the drop-down box at the top of this page.