Cloud over Radio Wave as owner announces it is to become a 'Greatest Hits' station

Bauer Media bought a host of local radio licences last year including that of Wave 96.5 which was founded in Blackpool in 1992 and broadcasts from Layton.

But now the owner has said Radio Wave will be one of the 49 out of 56 FM licences it bought to be rebranded as Greatest Hits Radio from September and jobs at all the stations will now be under consultation.

Specific details of what it will mean for the staff at Fylde Coast's radio station, which has strong community links, are not yet clear, but a company spokesman said: "Bauer completely appreciate the influence and legacy of many of the acquired stations within their communities.

"Stations such as Radio Wave will still retain many of the local radio elements that research has told us listeners value the highest such as local news, traffic and travel, whilst offering content from nationally known presenters. We are evolving the stations in order to offer larger scale and access for listeners in the years to come.

"Without evolving stations, many may sadly become economically unviable in the future as consumer habits continue to change.

"We will look to retain a presence in the community and reflect on-air major events and activities in Blackpool, although it is a little early to talk about specific activity. Our charity Cash For Kids also has a major presence across Lancashire, and this will extend into Blackpool."

Radio Wave was founded by John Barnett in 1992. John got an MBE for services to radio broadcasting in 2000 and is currently a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire.

Dee Ford CBE, group managing director of radio at Bauer Radio, said in the official statement: “Audiences love and trust radio. Expanding the Hits Radio Brand Network will ensure listeners to these acquired stations benefit from multi-platform digital distribution meaning they can continue to broadcast in an increasingly competitive, digital and voice-activated world.

"This ensures the provision of local news and information, traffic and travel as well as access for advertisers to highly valued audiences.”

Greatest Hits Radio plays classic hits from the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s alongside regional drive time and networked breakfast shows.

The company statement said: "These changes do unfortunately mean that some roles will be put into consultation and freelance contracts reviewed.

"Bauer Media is fully committed to supporting all affected employees throughout this period and will be working closely with them over the months ahead. A period of consultation with employees potentially affected will commence today."

Bauer Media Audio broadcasts in the UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Poland and Slovakia. It owns brands including KISS and Absolute Radio.

Bauer said the integration of the stations bought last year will make it the largest commercial radio network in the UK.