Mirror Group to make first foray into radio
The Mirror Group is planning its first venture into radio by launching a bid with Chrysalis Radio for the new Central Scotland radio licence, covering Glasgow and Edinburgh.
If the deal goes ahead it will also be the first time that Chrysalis Radio, which owns London station Heart and the Galaxy dance stations, has entered into joint ownership of a radio station.
A Mirror Group spokeswoman says all details about potential partners are confidential, but adds: “We are proposing to be actively involved in a bid.”
Chrysalis chief executive Richard Huntingford says: “We will be in a position to make an announcement on our partners in the Scottish radio bid next week.”
It is understood that the Mirror Group, publisher of Britain’s second biggest-selling tabloid, sees an opportunity to expand its influence in Scotland, where it already owns The Daily Record.
The group, which owns cable channel Live TV and interests in Scottish Television, is also keen to make its first foray into radio ownership.
A source says: “The Mirror Group has been ‘in conversations’ with Chrysalis but it has also been approached by at least three other companies.”
Bids for the licence are due on July 28. A number of stations intend to bid, including London based Xfm and the Independent Radio Group which owns Scot FM.
