Regional Radio Shows on Heart, Smooth, and Capital to Be Scrapped
Popular regional radio shows will be replaced by London broadcasts as part of a new strategy
Manchester, UK, XS Manchester, Heart, Smooth, Capital, Radio X 90s
Manchester: Big changes are coming to regional radio. Heart, Smooth, and Capital are ditching their local shows. Instead, everything will be broadcast from London. This is part of a new plan by Global, the owners.
Some favorite shows, like ‘The Rob Ellis Show’ on Capital, will be replaced. There are about 20 regional programs across these brands, and they’re all getting the boot.
Local station XS Manchester, known for its indie and alternative music, is also getting shut down. It’s set to be rebranded as Radio X 90s, which is a bummer for fans.
According to the Manchester Evening News, XS Manchester will close in about five weeks. The changes are expected to happen on February 24, 2025, with more details coming soon.
In a video, XS DJ Jim Salveson shared his thoughts. He said now isn’t the time to feel sorry for ourselves. He’s grateful for the past seven years at XS Manchester, where he got to play the music he loves.
Nigel ‘Wingman’ Clucas, who co-hosts a show on Capital, also expressed his gratitude. He thanked everyone involved and said he felt lucky to support amazing talent from Manchester.
He emphasized that this isn’t a time for sadness but for celebration. For the next five weeks, he’ll keep doing what he loves.
Local musician Fynn Birch shared his disappointment about XS Manchester closing. He mentioned how important it is for new artists to have stations that support them.
He added that XS Manchester has a solid listener base and has given him valuable feedback. Global has been contacted for comments on this situation.