'End of an era' as Leeds-based Radio Aire to be rebranded

Radio Aire is to be rebranded as part of a county-wide radio station later this year, signalling the 'end of an era' in local radio.

Owner Bauer Media said the Leeds-based station would join the Greatest Hits Radio Network from September and rebrand as Greatest Hits West Yorkshire.

As part of the change, the station will transition its music and programming to the Greatest Hits Radio format, which offers classic his from the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

A regional drivetime show will continue to be broadcast from Leeds, while Bradford-based Pulse 1 will extend its coverage and continue to air some of Radio Aire's shows and music.

One job has entered consultation and a freelance contract ended as a result of the changes.

Graham Bryce, Group Managing Director – Hits Radio Network Brand, said, “These changes mean that we can provide the best combination of two distinct radio stations for listeners across Leeds, Bradford and West Yorkshire that offer brilliant nationally known presenters and the local news and information, traffic and travel that we know our listeners value.

"It also means we can grow audiences for local advertisers and protect the long-term future of our stations to ensure they can continue to thrive.

"We recognise this is the end of an era, but also the start of an exciting new one”.

Greatest Hits West Yorkshire will offer programmes including a weekday mid-morning show from Mark Goodier and a weekend show from Pat Sharp, as well as shows from broadcasters Paul Gambaccini and Janice Long.

As Greatest Hits Radio, the station will also offer a brand-new evening show from former BBC Radio 2 presenter Alex Lester, as well as further shows from the Greatest Hits Radio Network’s much-loved line-up; including Andy Crane, Rick Houghton and Simon 'Rossie' Ross.