Radio City Talk
Radio City Talk is to close as owners say it is no longer financially viable, Getintothis’ Lewis Ridley on a blow to the city’s radio community.
It has been revealed today that Liverpool radio station Radio City Talk is to close.
The owners, Bauer Media, have said they “regretted to announce” that Radio City Talk would be closing in the near future.
The station originally launched in January 2008 as a full talk station, before adding music to its format 18 months later.
Bauer says a review of the station has deemed Radio City Talk to be ‘no longer viable’ and that it will be handing the licence back to Ofcom.
Graham Bryce, Managing Director of the Hits Radio Brand Networks said today: “The decision to close Radio City Talk has not been an easy one. However, as a niche service distributed in one locality, the station has unfortunately struggled to secure the level of listening to generate the revenue required to operate profitably.”
The news has come as a blow to listeners of the station, who have continually supported Liverpool’s creative industries and launched valuable initiatives in the city.
“We’re incredibly proud of the ground-breaking, award-winning content that the team has created across the years” said Bryce: “Tackling all the important local issues as well as spearheading some ground-breaking mental health initiatives, such as Mental Health Monday.”
Many have taken to Twitter to express their disappointment at the station announcing its closure.
Very sad day today for me I’m loosing my phone in on @RadioCityTalk I’ve had the best 40 years ever with the most amazing journey. I will write about this more when I come to terms with this devastating news. Also sad for all my talented colleagues who must feel numb. SAD DAY pic.twitter.com/MtEedkegFE
— Pete Price (@PeteCityPrice) May 7, 2020
Devastated by this news. This station meant everything to me and gave me opportunity to grow and create some of the most amazing things I’ll ever do in my career. The people care so much and work so hard there. I’m heartbroken for everyone, local radio is something we all need. https://t.co/FXpL8POgKS
— Lizzi Doyle (@lizzidoyle) May 7, 2020
This is exceptionally sad news. I’d urge Bauer to rethink, community programming is essential to its listener base.
— Chris Williams (@Chris78Williams) May 7, 2020
This is absolutely devastating. Lots of love and respect to all at @RadioCityTalk, especially @MrMickCoyle and @John_Fogarty who do so much to support the Merseyside region including highlighting mental health issues x https://t.co/ehb7S5736Q
— Cath Holland (@cathholland01) May 7, 2020
Heartbreaking to hear about @RadioCityTalk – Mick, John and their team give a platform to discuss important topics, deliver initiatives and make people aware of services available. We are so grateful for all of the support we have had from our friends at Radio City Talk💔 pic.twitter.com/unlt1zZPXF
— The Lee Cooper Foundation (@theleecooper_f) May 7, 2020
Shit news. These have been boss to us and other musicians over the years. I hope the staff will be ok. Thoughts ✊🏼 https://t.co/FFyZnQvV8x
— Timo Tierney (@timotierney) May 7, 2020
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