Brighton radio station Juice 107.2 has been bought by the owner of Classic FM, LBC and Heart.
At lunchtime today (Wednesday 17 January) Juice said that the board of the local radio station had agreed to the sale of its business to Global, Europe’s leading radio company.
Managing director Laurence Elphick is to step down next month for personal reasons – a decision that is believed to have prompted the deal.
Mr Elphick said: “Juice has been a hugely important part of my life for the best part of 17 years.
“I have huge admiration for what the team at Juice have achieved and immensely proud that, in an increasingly competitive industry, Juice has continued to be a distinctive and successful part of our community in Brighton and Hove.
“I am confident that with Global, the future is an exciting one.”
Juice chairman Ryan Heal said: “Laurence’s role as figurehead and brand ambassador has been pivotal to the station’s traction and stability in the city.
“We are so grateful to him for the years of unmatched leadership but, with his imminent departure, the board felt the time was right to seize the opportunity for new owners to take the business forward.
“This is a hugely positive step for radio in Brighton. We’ll be working with Global to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.”
Founder and director Daniel Nathan adds: “Over 20 years the radio station has reflected the best of the city we love and helped launch so many broadcasting careers.
“As a new chapter begins, the board and I would like to thank every member of the Juice family past and present for their part in creating radio made in Brighton.”
Global, which had annual revenues of £220 million last year, describes itself as “home of some of the UK’s best-loved radio stations – Heart, Capital, Classic FM, Smooth, Capital Xtra, Radio X, LBC and Gold”.
The company said: “The deal is expected to complete in February 2018. The station covers Brighton and Hove. It’s also broadcast right across Sussex on DAB digital radio.”
Global founder and executive president Ashley Tabor said: “This is an exciting station to acquire for Global and we look forward to fulfilling the station’s successful future.”
It has not secured Juices future at all. Global will close it down and replace it with a non local brand, probably Capital or Smooth.
correct!! Any more news on what is happening??
Global will just rebrand it capital and move it into Portslade studios and share with heart. Gaydio will probably move into Juice North Street studio.