UTV Appoints Taunton As New Wireless Chief

Ulster TV (UTV) has announced the appointment of Scott Taunton as chief executive officer of The Wireless Group (TWG), taking up his new post with immediate effect following UTV’s acquisition of the company last month.

UTV acquired TWG in a deal worth around £98 million. Taunton’s appointment sees him replace former chief executive, Kelvin MacKenzie who has left the group.

The sale has also seen the departure of sales director Ashley MacKenzie, and managing director of the broadcaster’s talkSPORT, Michael Franklin.

Commenting on his appointment, Taunton said: “I am delighted to take one of the most exciting jobs in British media. Kelvin has done a great job at building awareness of the talkSPORT brand. I will now focus on growing our audience nationally and locally to provide a compelling commercial offering to advertisers, and ensuring the highest quality output for our listeners.”

UTV’s acquisition of the company followed a failed shareholder buy-out earlier in the year, led by Kelvin MacKenzie (see Wireless Group Halts Takeover Talks With MacKenzie).

UTV: 02890 328122 www.utv.co.uk Wireless Group: 020 7269 7180