The Wave 105 brand is to disappear after some 25 years, as the South Coast radio station announces it is to become Greatest Hits Radio. Wave 105 began broadcasting from the Chillerton Down mast on 14th June 1998, reaching across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as well as parts of West Sussex, Dorset and Wiltshire. It has been a firm favourite with Islanders ever since. However, it has been revealed that in the coming weeks, the station will transition into Greatest Hits Radio and will feature more networked shows. It will focus on music from the 70s, 80s and 90s, with those wanting more modern music being told to switch to Hits Radio instead. A new look schedule will see Rick Jackson continue his breakfast show across the South, with Mark Collins taking the mid-afternoon slot. It has been confirmed that a ‘small number of roles’ are at risk and freelance contracts are to be reviewed. Bauer Media says it is fully committed to supporting all affected employees throughout this period. Island Echo has asked Bauer what the future holds for listener favourites Steve Power and Andy Jackson. Gary Stein, Group Programme Director for the Hits Radio Portfolio, has said:
“Wave 105 is a well-loved and recognised station identity within the South Coast and we want to build on its fantastic success and secure its future by transforming it into a nationally recognised brand, bolstered by a national marketing campaign to ensure it has even more opportunity to grow. “Unique to our other Greatest Hits Radio stations, it will have its very own Breakfast show hosted by the fantastic Rick Jackson in addition to a mid-afternoon show hosted by Mark Collins, and all the local news and information we know is important to audiences. This is all while offering a new look schedule and playlist that we know is loved by listeners across the nation”.
It is said that Wave – to be known as Greatest Hits – will continue to provide local news and information for the region, including traffic and travel as well as commercial opportunities for local partners. Fundraising for disadvantaged young people within the community through its Cash for Kids charity will also carry on. Following the changeover, for any listeners that would like to continue listening to a playlist of the biggest hits and throwbacks from the 90s to now, as well as shows from Gemma Atkinson and Mike Toolan, Sam Thompson, Fleur East and more, they will be able to do so by choosing Hits Radio South Coast on DAB, online or smart speaker.
