Now that Robin Banks has left Jack fm it looks like a great opportunity to save some money by not paying for the Jack brand and changing to John FM which no doubt Sir John Madeski would be ecstatic about. Not only does he save money, but he gets his name on the station. I can imagine the strapline will be "Playing what he wants".

Or maybe they will call it JMFM? as both johnfm.co.uk and jmfm.co.uk have been registered by Reading Broadcasting Company Limited.

Interesting times!

jack always seemed to be "limited" in its unique IP... there are so many stations with similar sounding dj's and music formats - and while they work in the small area they cover via radio they merge into a very crowded "the same" online

i just cant see what value the "brand" is it is the only thing unique

I though Berkshire was part-owned by the main Oxford lot? Very strange.

I'm not sure of the value either, however, Sam FM has tanked since the switch away. The production is decent. I wonder if it is money or something else?

How do you build a brand if you keep changing your name?

Right on the money there deepfroat. "Brand" is thrown around far too cheaply and as a result is largely meaningless in commercial radio. Steve Orchard once spewed out the babbling drivel "once you have brand status you are invincible".Err where is the GWR group Steve? Remind us again.

'Invincible' is certainly overstating it, but brand status just made `Manchester United £500. It certainly wasn't the football...

Have I missed something - or is this just pointless speculation? Jack FM Berkshire do not strike me as being about to rename themselves again.

Having re-read the OP, I can now see that this thread is a time waster. Nothing's been announced, and nothing will be - since it's run by Oxford - brand owners.

They've just denied reports that the station will be relaunched as the postcode of Oxon village Shirburn (SH 1T FM)

that does not make a word of sense

Radiotoday reported the station has one owner Reading Broadcasting Company Limited. The link to Jack FM brand owner was the MD who previously worked for Jack FM so will probably keep the brand?

Oxis owns the brand, who licence it to Reading Broadcasting Company Ltd - that is the only connection. And yes, the current MD believe in the Jack brand has recognised its success.

I think the title of this thread should be changed as it is misleading. It just needs a question mark at the end.

But that would still suggest it is based on some sort of idea or rumour. The thread title should be: "What if Jack FM Berkshire was renamed John FM?". It would still be a pretty thin thread though, as based purely on a random idea.

I have no idea why people would pay just to do a jukebox style radio station anyway really. They should have kept it as Reading 107 but made it an enjoyable listen like when it first launched.

If they are doing a Jack FM jukebox type station then John FM named after Mr Madeski would be a brilliant idea. My question would be why not do this in the first place?

When is this rebrand happening as I noted that they do not currently have a breakfast show on air?

If they have registerd the names that suggests it's more than just a random suggestion

I used to work in Reading until recently so haven't heard much of the station to be fair. It used to promote local unsigned artists and had a great following back in the 107 FM days.

I wonder if they will use Guy Harris as the voice of John FM seeing as he has been used on Jack FM quite a bit? A good voiceover, but is a bit of a poor mans Paul Darrow if they do use him. They could use John Madeski himself?

Having seen that the domain names have been purchased, I'd say it is quite certain that it will change. Lets get on with talking about the topic in hand and not about the subject title shall we?

Purchased a year ago, so of course a relaunch must be imminent. Not.

So, back to the topic: They're not relaunching, there is nothing to get on with.

There is the clue in that they have not replaced Robin Banks. They only have music and news currently. Maybe they would keep their new breakfast show for a rebrand?

I'd say there are more clues for a rebrand than not.

They're not going to rebrand, trust me.

Insider?

perhaps it's time to re-brand as JanetFM

I see that Robin Banks old sidekick is off to Sunshine Radio.

http://radiotoday.co.uk/2016/12/neal...for-breakfast/

A press release about covering breakfast on a station in the sticks hmm. He sounds like a vile weirdo to me.

As if Jack & Bob FM aren't stupid enough names someone comes up with another stupid name like John FM.

Aren't you a fan of Radio Caroline though?