Capital Radio divides business into regions

Capital Radio has restructured its business into three regional operations in preparation for the launch of digital radio services next May and further acquisitions.

Analogue and digital operations have been grouped into Western, Southern and London regions, each controlled by a regional managing director reporting to Capital group radio managing director Sally Oldham.

Oldham will also retain responsibility for the London region, which includes 95.6 Capital FM, Capital Gold and 104.9 Xfm.

Julie Fair becomes regional managing director for Western area, which includes stations in Birmingham, Oxford and Cardiff, while maintaining her position as managing director of Capital’s Birmingham stations. She will be responsible for the revenue performance and local managing directors of the Western region.

The appointment of a regional director for the Southern region will be made next year. The area includes all stations in Kent, Sussex and Hampshire.

Local station directors have been promoted to become managing directors of their respective stations.

Capital, in partnership with Emap Radio, won London’s first digital licence last month, beating off bids from Chrysalis and a joint Virgin Radio/Talk Radio group. It has also won digital licences in Manchester and Birmingham.

Digital radio will be capable of broadcasting data services such as Internet and electronic publishing. Earlier this month Capital disposed of its restaurant business in order to concentrate on radio.