Bauer Media has announced that it will acquire Wireless local stations across England and Wales.
Wireless’ 15 licences across Lancashire, Cheshire, Shropshire, Derbyshire, West Yorkshire, Staffordshire and South Wales have a combined weekly reach of 850,000 listeners.
“We are delighted with our acquisition of Wireless local licences. This group of established, successful stations complements our existing portfolio and extends our reach and local advertising offer to new areas of the UK,” said Paul Keenan, CEO Bauer Media and European Radio.
It comes just 3 days after it bought Celador Radio and Lincs FM Group, which added 1.1m weekly listeners.
“The Wireless local stations acquisition further underlines our belief in the UK and in radio. Outstanding content and growing audiences have driven three years of consecutive records for UK radio ad revenue. As the medium grows ever-more digital and adapts to new listening devices the opportunity expands to offer new and interesting services for listeners and advertisers. It’s a very exciting time to be in the audio business.“
In 2016, Wireless Group was acquired by News UK for £220m.
“Wireless local radio teams are talented professionals who serve their audiences with great passion. They are defined by their dedication to local journalism and commitment to serving their local communities. The stations are thriving, as yesterday’s RAJARs underline. We believe these local stations will find a good home with Bauer,” said Scott Taunton, CEO of Wireless.
“Wireless is a key priority for News UK, and this deal allows us to continue investing in our growing digital and national stations, talkSPORT, talkSPORT2, talkRADIO and Virgin Radio, and our successful Irish businesses.”
