Bauer to buy RedFM

@rogue-entity I think Regulatory Capture is to hard for the BAI to understand, the BAI from their establishment have been about a hybrid policy governed regulation and self-regulatory system, it will be interesting to see how the New Media Commission will actual take anyone to task considering it sits on the foundations of the BAI.

I think its more likely they all just become "Spin" by name . Maybe some opt out branding for local shows, if it ever went that way.

I assume a majority of the services related to the operation will move to Dublin over time. If they do try to network it in some way, either 98/Spin then they might be in for a shock, people want local content in Cork, if they don't get it they'll jump. The press release seemed to mention "digital assets", not sure if Red FM have something there that's a possible money maker.

Not much evidence to go by as to what will happen, only networked operation is Spin as mentioned, and thst predates the Bauer purchase. Its maybe a little different with a youth station like that, it's bang, play the music and get out, same in both markets and they are both successful. You wouldn't even know you're listening to "South West" anymore it's just "Spin". If Red is to remain local it needs more than that.

I can't see it staying as is, News will likely come from Dublin, which will impact Neil Prendivelle if there's less local content, so something will give there.

They can look forward to the risible "Cash Machine", for a start

id imagine networking in some form with Spin 1038 or Red presenters networked into SW will happen in the evenings at some stage.

it’s a weird one because Neil Prendeville is peaking at 120k listeners and average Qtr is 83,000. That’s still a huge draw and cork people aren’t great with change. I don’t see it changing too drastically short term.

not sure how breakfast is doing but rest of their day schedule is competing well with 96.

Spin 1038 is networked into the South West after 7 anyway, so unlikely it will start coming from Red. More likely they all take the same show from Dublin.

If it does become a Spin, I wonder if the South West Fully Charged team would move to Cork and syndicate it? They are both from Cork, but have been with South West for a good while. Would be a far more logical step to have them as presenters rather than ever take a Dublin show.

Listenership dips off massively across the board after 7 anyway, so having one show in three different markets allows for increased revenue opportunities while minimising costs.

As mentioned, it's all speculation, most likely thing is a subtle change in music policy across the station, maybe some fresh sounds, and then gradually introduce the Cash Machineto increases revenue and assess the situation in 12 months. All that while centralising operations from Dublin in terms of finance, marketing etc... Although with remote work they may actually keep on most staff.

I think the assoication with Spin, Beat and iRadio is simply because of the original licencing for those services, though I think Red Predates all of them.

Somebody here said recently that they tried but Beat said no.

Hmmm...

By all accounts it's Bauer making the decisions, it's unlikely any Bauer staff would have spoken to Red FM staff prior to the sale, and it seems like a weird promise to make to the sellers.

The only time it would have happened was yesterday when the sale was finalised and Bauer bosses may have spoken directly to Red FM staff.

All I can decipher from that is your either work there or are close to someone who does?

I don't necessarily disagree, I don't think it will become a Spin station. Just curious now as to how ring fenced it is given what you said.

Were red in IRS+? They had a minor cork/Dublin combined sales thing with Nova at one stage

If they are, IRS+ would become further marginalised to being the rural operator by losing another city from their offering. Galway, Limerick and Waterford already out. Although if they aren't that position won't have worsened!

Edit: forgot 4fm exists, so there would still be something

A little off topic, but it is weird to think that as the station with the National independent license, they broadcast almost exclusively from Dublin. Apart from a few token outdoor events it's all in Dublin. Would be nice to see them use the Cork studios now to get out and about.

But do they use them?

You've hit the nail on the head K.