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Imagine there’s no more radio station - it won’t be hard to do
by Matthew Davis11/ 6/2008
STOCKPORT radio station Imagine FM is set to close by the end of the month, unless a last minute buyer is found.
In a shock statement released by the station’s owners UTV Radio, it was announced that Imagine FM was up for sale and if a buyer or alternative broadcasting facility is not found by June 30, UTV Radio will have no alternative but to hand back the licence to Ofcom and the station will be taken off air.
The announcement comes after media regulator Ofcom rejected a proposed move by UTV Radio to move the station to a new purpose-built radio centre in Warrington.
Scott Taunton, managing director at UTV Radio, said: "My first consideration is for the staff at 104.9 Imagine FM and I will personally ensure they are kept informed of developments over the next few weeks.
"They work hard to produce a quality service for the people of Stockport and south Manchester.If that regretful decision is taken, alternative employment for Imagine FM staff will be offered elsewhere in the UTV Group where possible. Every possible alternative for the future of the station is currently being investigated including the possibility of a sale or by finding alternative broadcast facilities in the area."
Labour councillor Tom McGee who was involved in trying to keep the station in Stockport, said he was disappointed.
"This is sad news," he said. "It will be a big loss for the town and will have far reaching implications. I am surprised by the decision, it has come about so quickly. They are not giving people much time to organise themselves and put a bid together to buy the station."
Meanwhile Stockport Council leader Coun Dave Goddard said the council was exploring the possibilities of keeping Imagine FM in the town.
Most recent 2 of 3 user comments
30/06/2008 at 15:04
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Have a look here: http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.3551.2
As you'll read, it's very unlikely the station will close!
1/07/2008 at 22:34