Jazz FM Bids For LNR

Jazz FM is launching a bid to acquire London News Radio (LNR), which owns the London-based stations LBC and News Direct.

In a statement issued today, Jazz FM confirmed that it has “an interest in acquiring LNR and has made an indicative initial offer.” The bid, believed to be around £20m, comes as the industry prepares for the release of the latest RAJAR data for the period ending December 2001 next Thursday.

LNR, which was put up for sale by its owners GWR, ITN, Reuters and the Daily Mail & General Trust at the end of last year, has seen its weekly reach remain relatively stable over the last two years (see below) and is preparing to switch from AM to FM, giving it a larger potential audience.

Jazz FM: 020 7706 4100 www.jazzfm.com

Subscribers can access further information on Jazz FM, LNR and other radio stations by selecting “Radio” from the drop-down box at the top of this page.