I think that there will be a re launch in the Spring with changes to the presenter line up and a much improved music policy with an expanded playlist.

Global don't do expanded playlists so I wouldn't get too excited.

While not strictly Global, its predecessor GWR group did exactly this back in the 90s. When it 'rebooted' various stations, including the one I was at, EVERYTHING was massively stripped back - music, presentation, station sound. Everything.

But, over time, new elements were introduced and the playlist was expanded until it sounded very good.

This is a strategy that may not be to everyone's taste, but there is precedence for it, and I wouldn't rule out Global doing this with Smooth.

#Hopelessly Devoted To Youuu#


(Cough)

Has Nicola given Birth? Dave Brown on Early Breakfast,.. Dave always says - " Coming up your breakfast show and Simon Bates Golden Hour at 9" which does help the listeners.

Great to hear the stripped back of A Horse With No Name for the first time since the last time.

I've just dipped into Smooth again after a break for a couple of weeks and it sounds a lot muddier/flat on Digital One? At first I thought it had been knocked down to 64k but it's still operating at 80k.

It won't matter soon, it's coming off D1.

http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radio-...tes/update0114

The new station sounds like a cross between Smooth/Gold. More details about the future of Smooth (and Real) are expected on Thursday.

Interesting, it really does make me wonder if Smooth Radio will not be around much longer as the Ofcom notes say a new station owned by Global as yet un-named.

I read this on radio today saying Smooth Radio can provide regional programs for 7 hours a day, http://radiotoday.co.uk/2014/02/smoo...rom-digital-1/. I wonder if we will get presenters like John Peters, Jeff Cooper to name a few back to the airwaves on FM in the East Midlands!

Regional Breakfast and Drivetime?

how many minutes of commercials are there every hour to me it seems relentless. I don't listen to other Global stations (at least I don't think so) is it the same across the board?

Depends on who picks up the Smooth stations, if being sold at all.

Maybe the Smooth FMers will be relaunched under a new name along with DAB?

DAB is supposed to be the platform of the future with FM switch off yet Smooth is now leaving the National Mux. So much for any relaunch it won't make any difference to those of us who can't get it on FM. Well done Global in 6 months you've managed to kill off Smooth, Smooth Xmas & Smooth 70's from DAB.

More an act of mercy really and I'd use the term ended their suffering. They were dying anyway so Global probably did them a favour.

I wonder if Simon Bates will be moved to mid mornings with the Golden Hour and Our Tune and Lynn Parsons moved to afternoons. Carlos may present the Smooth North West breakfast or drivetime show saving him travelling to London and it is closer to home. They may also move the Real Radio network presenters to the Smooth Regional Breakfast and Drivetime shows.

Simon Bates covering for Chris Evans or Radio 2

After Thursday we will know.

what will happen to Smooth on freeview.

<dreams of being fly-on-wall in that programming meeting when the Group PD comes on tour. Could we get Len Groat and complete the set?>

The very reason I no longer listen. The music seemed to fit in around the relentless adverts.

Think ads are restricted to 12 minutes per hour as in TV?, but the ads on the regional opt outs are different and obviously more local?
Found this blog where clear channel resticted the US stations onthe amount of ads,
http://starcomip1.blogspot.co.uk/200...nutes-per.html
So stations need to make sure ads are not too intrusive. The more higher paying ads the better but these may be the most anoying to listeners?

Presumably the will be the same new mystery national station as on D1? We will find out tomorrow, but there maybe some leaks today?

I don't think there are any limits, but as you say there's a self-regulating point when people begin to turn off.

I expect Radio Today will know shortly after the 10am staff meetings!