GCap Media chief Bernard steps down

Ralph Bernard, the chief executive of GCap Media, is stepping down from his role. He will leave the role when a replacement is appointed, although he will remain as chairman of Classic FM and Digital One.

Bernard, one of the commercial radio industry’s most senior figures, made the announcement as the company, which owns Capital 95.8, reported a drip in pre-tax profits from £5.8m to £5.6m for the six months to September 30. It also reported an increase in like-for-like revenue up 4.5% to £100m.

Bernard describes the results as “significant strategic progress” and adds that its £1.4m airtime sales contract with Guardian Media Group Radio is “particularly important”.

His departure comes just months after the arrival of Richard Eyre, the former chief executive of ITV and Capital Radio, as chairman. He says: “Twenty five years is a long time to head up a company and having been at the heart of commercial radio’s growth over the years, the time is right to step down as chief executive.”

He has led GCap, which was formed by the merger of GWR Group and Capital Radio Group, since it was created two years ago. Prior to that, he was chief executive of GWR for 23 years.

He has been a key figure in the development of digital radio and he says he intends to work closely with the industry to secure a date for the digital switchover.