Popular commercial radio stations including Absolute Radio, Greatest Hits Radio and Magic to be withdrawn from satellite and cable platforms.
- Move forces listeners to online platforms which enable the broadcaster to offer personalisation and targeted ads.
- It also comes ahead of technical changes to satellite TV in 2024, which will also affect radio.
Bauer Media’s portfolio of radio stations, which also includes Kiss, Jazz FM, Hits Radio and Planet Rock will cease to be distributed on cable and satellite, i.e. Virgin, Sky and Freesat from 13th December.
Bauer has been busy streamlining its distribution outlets in the past year, also pulling AM (aka Medium Wave) transmissions.
The 13th December switch-off comes just ahead of this year’s seasonal platform freeze on satellite, during which no changes are made to services on the Sky EPG over Christmas.
Listening via TV makes up a small share of radio listening, typically under 5% across the wider industry. Therefore, the move isn’t expected to impact many.
Radio streaming apps take over, even on TV platforms
Newer connected TV and streaming services now include radio streaming apps, for example, the BBC Sounds and Global Player (Classic FM, Heart, LBC and more) apps appear on some of Sky’s receivers, meaning technically there’s no need to distribute the stations over the air to these receivers anymore, as these can be streamed, often with higher audio quality.
But Bauer has so far opted not to rollout its apps to TVs and streaming boxes. Instead, its focused on smart speakers, apps and website, with some stations available on DAB and FM, which it still reach a much bigger audience than via TV platforms. Its online services have the advantage of being able to offer targeted advertising or the option to pay to listen to stations ad-free, something simply not possible on traditional platforms.
During 2024, satellite broadcasters will be switching to the DVB-S2 broadcast standard. That will mean changes to how services are bundled together and will result on older, non-connected satellite receivers no longer being able to receive TV and radio services. With the termination of distribution this December, Bauer confirms is not going to be part of that transition.
How will I know if I’m affected?
Bauer-owned radio stations are now carrying messages about the changes on the affected platforms only. So if you don’t hear messaging, your way of listening isn’t impacted.
Freeview is being maintained as an outlet. However, Bauer no longer actively promotes availability on the platform. This indicates that their future is subject to the expiry of a carriage contract.