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Imagine the possibilities
2/ 7/2008
STOCKPORT’S radio station Imagine FM is still on the air after its owners received several offers that could yet secure its future.
Following an OFCOM refusal to relocate the studios to Warrington, owners UTV Radio announced Imagine was for sale, with the closure if a buyer was not found by June 30.
But after interest from groups looking to take over the station UTV chief executive Scott Taunton confirmed it was highly unlikely the station’s license would be handed back to OFCOM.
Station director Steve Howarth was relieved at the news and delighted the station would be staying in Stockport.
He said: "Everyone’s heads dropped at the possibility of the license going back but it’s great news that several people have tabled offers with the station.We know that whatever the outcome the station is not going to move out of the borough it is going to be kept here for the people. Hopefully in the next few weeks we will come to the quickest conclusion and begin to start looking to the future with someone who will invest on the product and make it even better."
At a full council meeting last Thursday, Council Leader Dave Goddard announced the council had gone to great lengths to keep the station going.
According to Coun Goddard the threat of handing in the license had now been removed after intervention by the Council and interest from other broadcasters.
"There are five or six potential suitors.," he said. "Imagine has come up with a unique opportunity to move it eventually into Stockport College. The Council is doing whatever it can do.
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