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Million Watch The
X Factor
The first in the new series of The X Factor attracted an
average of 10.2 million viewers last night, according to unofficial figures.
At its peak, the show was watched by more than 11 million people, capturing
half the total television audience.
The first episode of last year's series drew 9.5 million viewers, with the
finale gaining an audience of 12 million.
The new series saw the debut of new judge, Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole,
who has replaced Sharon Osbourne.
Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue remain on the panel.
11:55
August
17 2008 - waveguide.co.uk
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Bauer Scottish
Radio Changes
Bauer Radio has axed eleven regional radio programmes across
Scotland resulting in shows on Radio Forth, West Sound, Radio Borders, Moray
Firth, Radio Clyde, Radio Tay and Aberdeen's Northsound replaced with
Scotland-wide shows broadcast from Radio Clyde HQ in Clydebank.
The change comes after broadcasting regulator Ofcom relaxed
the rules for local radio stations in February this year - a move made in
response to the increasing financial struggles of local operators affected
by a downturn in advertising spend. Local radio stations now have to
broadcast only 10 hours of local content per weekday, a move designed to
make local radio companies more financially viable. Previously, the number
of hours varied per licence but was almost always more than 10.
Bauer's announcement follows the decision by Real Radio - Bauer's main
competitor across central Scotland - to broadcast its evening shows in
Scotland from a studio in Manchester. Real's sister station Smooth, targeted
at older listeners, shed six Scottish presenters last week as owner GMG
Radio looked to cut costs.
Travis Baxter, managing director of Big City Radio - Bauer's network of 35
local stations across the UK - said he was still discussing with staff the
exact effect of the changes, but added he expected five to six presenters on
freelance contracts to be sacked.
He said in a newspaper report: "To a company of Bauer's size it isn't even a
hill of beans, showing that we're not cutting content mainly to save money.
The two new Scotland-wide shows - the 19:00 to 22:00 slot fronted by Radio
Clyde's Romeo, and the 22:00 to 01:00 show presented by the same station's
Gina McKie - will start on September 15.
Baxter said evening audiences were less focused on news and local
information and had instead a greater hunger for entertainment.
"A Scotland-wide show, broadcast from Radio Clyde where we have our most
developed technology, will be better able to attract big name celebrities
and that is what we feel the audience want. That is the reason we are doing
this," he said.
Jocelyn Hay, founder of audience group Voice Of The Listener
And Viewer, said the cutbacks were not confined to Scotland: "This is
something we are seeing all over commercial radio and it is very
regrettable. A lot of people really rely on these programmes and enjoy parts
of the show like the local phone-ins."
11:08
August
17 2008 - waveguide.co.uk
Reader Comment
This is very sad news indeed and additionally sad that not
only are the programes coming from Clyde so are the presenters. Gina does a
good show, but Romeo is basically rubbish. It says 7-1 but through the night
is already networked on Forth and Clyde , so this will result in almost 50%
of networked shows.
We have Boogie and Dingo networked at the weekend which is
top notch radio and the totally dreadful King in LA already, is more to
come.
Since Bauer took over we are getting a truly disgusting
service in the east and we have already lost presenters on AM and have
totally unacceptable non stop music hours in the evenings and a automation
through the night- 7 hours a day of total bland nonsense even though through
the night is presented by the excellent Joanna Cochrane.
We now have more stations than ever, but with less choice,
now thats progress for you.
Greg
Edinburgh
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