Greatest Hits Radio to end local shows and go fully networked with new Kate Thornton afternoon show

Bauer is dropping regional programmes from its Greatest Hits Radio service following a change in legislation, with Kate Thornton lined up for the new networked afternoon show across Great Britain.

In addition, local mid-morning shows on Hits Radio Bristol and Hits Radio South Coast will end, as Tom Green’s show goes fully networked across Hits Radio from November 4th.

Affected presenters include Heidi Secker, John Marshall, Mark Collins, Andy Goulding, Martin Starke, Scott Temple & Holly Day, Steve Priestley, Tony Wright, Stuart Webster, Jason Webster and Jono Holmes.

Heidi Secker (GHR East) and Jason Webster (Hits Radio Bristol) will broadcast their last shows on Friday 25th October with the other Greatest Hits Radio presenters finishing on Thursday 31st October and Hits Radio Dorset’s Jono Holmes on Friday 1st November.

Andy Goulding will be networked on Greatest Hits Radio afternoons from Friday 1st November until Friday 8th November before Kate Thornton starts.

Scott Clarke will be networked on Hits Radio mid-mornings from Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November whilst Tom Green covers Breakfast next week.

Alongside these on air changes, Bauer will shortly be exiting buildings in Bristol and Norwich.

The moves follow the new Media Bill coming into law just last week, allowing radio stations greater flexibility on where programmes are made, and what type of music they play.

Quotes

Kate said: ‘What an honour to be trusted with the reins of the afternoon show on Greatest Hits Radio! I’ve loved being a part of the weekend family here for over two years now so it’s a real privilege to be coming to weekdays and spending three hours a day with our ever-growing army of fabulous listeners. I can’t wait to get started and look forward to you all joining me for a chat, a good laugh and some great music from this November.’

Greatest Hits Radio’s Network Content Director, Andy Ashton said: ‘Greatest Hits Radio has already proved to be a game-changer for daytimes on commercial radio and our ambitions don’t stop there. I’m delighted that Kate, a hugely talented and already popular broadcaster with our audience, will be coming to afternoons on the station. We look forward to her bringing the greatest story telling, wit and energy to weekday afternoons, plus of course the biggest songs of the 70s 80s and 90s’

Gary Stein, Director of Audio said: ‘I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have been part of the Greatest Hits Radio and Hits Radio story for their great work on their respective shows. As a business we’ve been lucky to work with some incredibly talented and passionate broadcasters and I wish them all the very best for the future.’

Greatest Hits Radio and Hits Radio shows will retain local news, travel, weather and continue to work closely with local clients and businesses. In addition, the stations will continue to support local vulnerable and disadvantaged children through Cash for Kids.

Here are the current regional shows on Greatest Hits Radio

  • South West & South Wales: Tony Wright
  • Cornwall: Scott Temple and Holly Day
  • South: Martin Starke
  • Dorset/Solent: Mark Collins (plus Rick Jackson at breakfast)
  • East: Heidi Secker
  • Yorkshire: Steve Priestley
  • Lincolnshire: John Marshall
  • NE/NW/Midlands/national: Andy Goulding
  • Scotland: Webster (plus Ewen & Cat at breakfast)

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This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk