Ofcom Tells Smooth To Keep Playing Jazz

Ofcom has ordered GMG Radio to keep jazz programming on its Smooth Radio stations in London and the north-west after it tried to drop its obligation to play 45 hours of jazz per week.

GMG had said that in exchange for being allowed to drop its jazz programming, it would relaunch a dedicated service, Jazz FM, on DAB radio.

However, following a four-week public consultation, Ofcom said that it could not go ahead with its plan as the jazz programming made a “point of difference” with rival stations.

GMG Radio said that it would still go ahead with the relaunch of Jazz FM in London and the north-west, as well as on DAB in the west midlands.

Smooth Radio was rebranded from Jazz FM in 2006, with Ofcom telling GMG that the station had to retain 45 hours of jazz per week (see Smooth FM Format Change Gets Ofcom Go-Ahead).

Ofcom had 42 responses to the proposed change, with 14 in favour and 28 against.

Bauer Radio, which owns rival Magic 105.4 in London, was the only rival company to respond, arguing that the change was “format creep”.

Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk

GMG Radio: www.gmgradio.co.uk