I’m not going to be part of the new national Smooth Radio… but I am convinced that Smooth's move to become a national station is absolutely the right one. I can't share any £££ figures with you, but I am certain Smooth has to become national station. As soon as the legislation came into force, and the slot on Digital One appeared, the decision was clear.
Smooth's listeners tune in for the music and the presenters. They told us. Most of them won't be worried that the station isn't specifically for their region. That said, on FM they will still get some key local content, like news.
It's a powerful proposition, and suddenly means national partnerships and marketing fit the station much more easily.
It's a shame that stations that used to exist will close, but just because something's "a shame" doesn't mean it isn't necessary. The world is changing, and at an increasing rate. (I'll write at a later date about why I believe the UK radio industry has got to this point...)
I sometimes think I'm in a tiny minority because I feel that, overall, the world gets better with time, not worse. I'm not a Daily Mail reader... can you tell?
Listeners have never had so many ways of enjoying audiovisual entertainment - a huge array of choices. It's not possible to make advances in technology & entertainment (or for that matter; biotechnology, computing, agriculture, medicine, etc.), without some big "shame" moments.
Of course, it's a huge shame that good people will lose their current jobs. I don't mean to trivialise that. My programming team in London consists of some very talented people. If you're looking for good ones, let me know.
So I wish those of us who are leaving, the very best of luck... and the same goes to those who will be working on the new, bigger, better, successful Smooth Radio. The very best of luck to them too.
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