Bauer Media has announced it is to take on Jack FM stations in Oxfordshire.
The company which operates stations such as Kiss, Absolute Radio and Magic has entered into an agreement with Jack Media to acquire its local stations which broadcast across Oxfordshire. The deal will see Jack Media Oxfordshire (JMO) retains exclusive ownership of the Jack brands, all IP and trademarks in the UK and Europe.
Clive Dickens – Non Exec Director JMO:
“The Founders and Directors of Jack Media would like to thank the staff, listeners, advertisers and the Oxfordshire community for the incredible privilege of providing multi award winning local broadcast radio for the last 18 years.”
In March this year former host of TV’s The Xtra Factor and Virgin Radio drivetime, Matt Richardson took over Jack FM’s breakfast show. He joined the network that already featured the comedian and travel writer Dom Joly as the station voice and host of the Sunday Session show and Andrew “Selfy” Self who hosts the weekly sports show The Morning After.
Jack FM operate three stations in Oxfordshire, on FM, DAB and online streaming, including Jack2 Hits and Jack3 Chill. The JACK brand originated in Canada in 2002 with Clive Dickens, Ian Walker, Donnach O’Driscoll and Adrian Robinson franchising the Jack FM brand in the UK in 2007. This same team had acquired Virgin Radio in 2008 and created the Absolute Radio brand.
The company note that ‘Jack FM is today the most awarded regional commercial radio station in UK radio history, having received over 40 industry commendations, including two for UK Radio Station of the Year.’ Jack2 launched in 2013 with Jack3 taking to the air in 2017. In 2015, the team acquired the exclusive ownership rights to the Jack FM brand throughout Europe.
Simon Myciunka, CEO of Bauer Media Audio UK:
“This acquisition will make it easier for our valued audiences in Oxfordshire to connect with our services, unlocking increased scale for our brands and commercial partners alike. My thanks go to the Jack FM Oxfordshire team who we will work closely with as we work through this transition.”
The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, will see the local station team transfer to Bauer. In the meantime, it will be business as usual for the Jack stations until after the Summer, when the deal is expected to close.
