GMG Radio is set to launch RockTalk in Greater Manchester after regulator Ofcom awarded it the licence for the region today (Thursday).

 

The classic rock and speech station – the first of its kind in the UK – will reach a potential audience of 1.8 million adults in the city and surrounding areas.

 

Targeting the over 35s, RockTalk will play the sound tracks of our lives from the last five decades – from Led Zeppelin to The Rolling Stones and Thin Lizzy to U2.  But its high level of daytime speech will truly reflect the lives and views of people across Manchester with a strong commitment to local news, current affairs and interactive debate. Live concerts and specialist rock programmes will also pepper the schedule, making this the number 1 choice for the dedicated rock music fan.

 

GMG Radio Chief Executive John Myers said: “We’re getting ready to rock in the North West! The station won’t be launching till 2008 as we have got to wait for a bulk order of Harley Davidson’s for staff!

 

RockTalk will become the 13th licence owned by GMG Radio and comes hot on the heels of the group’s recent acquisitions of the Saga and Century FM radio groups.

 

GMG Radio already has a strong radio heritage in the North West region as not only does it now own 105.4 Century FM but it is also home to 100.4 smooth fm. This will be the group’s second foray into rock music programming as in January it celebrated the launch of 96.3 Rock Radio, following the group’s purchase of Q96 last year.

 

Full launch details will be announced in due course.

 

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Further Information

Alison Halstead 020 7298 7296 or 07966 243435 Joe Burton 020 7298 7268 or 07884 253954