The future of Isle of Wight Radio is unclear following the shock announcement that the Island’s dedicated commercial radio station has been sold to Nation Broadcasting, marking the end of another era in its 36-year history.
It has been confirmed today that Nation Broadcasting has acquired Isle of Wight Radio alongside sister station More Radio Sussex, significantly expanding its existing presence across the South.
However, today’s announcement makes no mention of what the takeover will mean for Isle of Wight Radio’s locally produced programming, presenters or staffing.
There is also no information about whether the station will continue to operate from its existing base at Dodnor Industrial Estate in Newport. Nation does not tend to operate physical premises, with presenters working from home.
Jason Bryant, Founder of Nation Broadcasting, has said:
“More Radio and Isle of Wight Radio are high-quality businesses with very strong brands.
“These highly complementary acquisitions, alongside the existing regional strength of Nation Radio and Nation Easy Radio, give us an unrivalled marketing platform for ambitious businesses across the south.”
Claire John, Managing Director of More Radio and Isle of Wight Radio, has said:
“We’re so pleased to become part of Nation Broadcasting, the fastest growing and biggest regional operator across the south and the Isle of Wight.
“Nation offers the opportunity to offer our local business partners access to even bigger audiences across the best part of Britain.”
The acquisition represents the latest major turning point for a radio station that has been part of everyday life on the Isle of Wight since 1990. Isle of Wight Radio first took to the airwaves in April of that year, originally broadcasting on 1242 AM before moving to 107 and 102 FM in 1998.
What the station will sound and look like under its new owner remains to be seen, and there has been no mention of what the takeover means for the Beacon magazine.
