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Petition launched to save Rutland Radio from being rebranded by Bauer Media




An online petition to save Rutland Radio from being rebranded has already been signed by more than 1,000 people.

It was announced last week that the popular station could become part of Greatest Hits Radio from September under plans by new owner Bauer Media.

But many residents of England’s smallest county say this would erode its sense of identity and community.

Happier times: Rutland Radio presenter Rob Persani celebrate the station's anniversary with Sarah Furness and Margaret Miles and his wife and daughter Rachel and Florence
Happier times: Rutland Radio presenter Rob Persani celebrate the station's anniversary with Sarah Furness and Margaret Miles and his wife and daughter Rachel and Florence

Campaigner Martin Brookes set up a petition on Change.org urging bosses to keep the Rutland Radio brand.

Bauer Media has said a “small number will retain their local branding” as a heritage station, but has not yet specified which ones.

Martin said: “Sadly the recent sale of Rutland Radio to Bauer Media will see Rutland Radio lose its name and independence.

“Rutland Radio is part of Rutland's unique identity and it should be preserved.”

Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns has also written to Bauer boss Dee Ford urging her to "protect local programming" and retain local news and content.

"Rutland Radio is a vital part of our community spirit, and vibrant local life," she wrote. "It is also a heartbeat for Rutland and is relied upon by residents."

Mrs Kearns also urged the company to protect the Oakham-based studio and jobs at the station.

She added: "I hope Bauer can continue to protect this extremely important institution."

The station celebrated its 21st anniversary in December.

Its first broadcast was on December 13, 1998 from the premises in Melton Road, Oakham, and breakfast presenter Rob Persani has been with the station since then.

If the rebrand goes ahead, it will include a networked breakfast show.

Bauer Radio’s managing director Dee Ford 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.”

She added: “Expanding the Hits Radio Brand Network will ensure listeners benefit from multi-platform digital distribution and stations can continue to broadcast in an increasingly competitive world.”

Resident, listener and campaigner Jane Williams said: “What they are proposing is an absolutely dreadful proposition for a small county like ours which is trying to retain its sense of community spirit.

“The reason Rutland Radio has lasted 21 years is because it is embedded in the community and engages with local people. Replacing the breakfast show with a networked one - where’s the local interaction in that?

“It would be a huge blow to the county if these plans come to pass.”

Visit the petition here



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