ILR - why it's had to end like this

Since Ofcom published updated localness guidelines in October, it has been a case of when, not if, Global would further their ambition and introduce big-name national breakfast shows to take on the BBC.

At around 10am today, it was revealed that a company-wide meeting of Capital, Heart and Smooth staff would be held for an important announcement.

In summary, that announcement was as follows:

• A single Capital breakfast show will replace 14 local programmes currently airing across the network in England, Scotland and Wales. The number of regional drivetime shows covering the enlarged approved areas will be reduced to 9.

• A single Heart breakfast show will replace 22 local programmes currently airing across the network in England, Scotland and Wales. The number of regional drivetime shows covering the enlarged approved areas will be reduced from 23 to 10.

• A single Smooth breakfast show will replace 7 local programmes currently airing across the network in England, Scotland and Wales. The number of regional drivetime shows covering the enlarged approved areas will remain unchanged.

• Weekend local programming will end.

• The number of Global premises across the country will be reduced from 25 to 14.

• Hourly local news reflecting each individual licence will continue, in-line with the regulations allowing for reduced locally-produced hours.

• Stations owned by Communicorp UK operating under a brand licence are also affected by the restructuring.

• Analysis by RadioToday suggests this news could result in a reduction of more than 95 presenters.

My immediate thoughts are with everybody affected, both on and off air.

I know you've faced months of uncertainty, wondering what the future holds for you, your career and livelihood.

While it's easy for others to offer encouragement by outlining opportunities in podcasting and digital media, it doesn’t stop those anxious thoughts racing as you realistically consider what is necessary to maintain an income for you and your family.

At a local level, Global and Communicorp are home to some fine talent for whom I'm sure a bright future lies ahead, whatever that may be.

And take onboard the wise words of radio's Daniel Fox:

Remember that you have an incredible wealth of skills that are not only transferable, but will likely do more good in the wider world.

Opportunities in radio might be shrinking, but this is just the beginning of many companies’ adventure in audio.

Big businesses are recruiting people like you to help craft their sound, make their podcasts, create their flash briefings and design their sound. Help them.

You are more than a radio presenter. You’re a content producer. A social media mogul. A brilliant multi-tasker. You are eminently employable in a multitude of roles in myriad industries.

Let's go back to the beginning

In the early 70s, generally, there was one ILR (Independent Local Radio) licence in each city which was tasked with serving the whole community.

In those days, stations would attract huge audiences because there was barely any competition.

As you can imagine, regulation was off the scale - from broad music and specialist shows to an ad load cap and lengthy news bulletins. Even studios had to be built to IBA (Independent Broadcasting Authority) standards.

The 90s brought about a shift, with more licences advertised (smaller local, some regional and three national) and the development of DAB.

Two of the only three INR (Independent National Radio) licences to ever be awarded were on medium wave - Virgin 1215 and Talk Radio UK - with the only FM network being Classic FM, which is why consolidation of local frequencies has been necessary to build national brands.

In addition to more radio stations came the internet and new digital media, further increasing the pressure on local revenues and a need to simplify national advertising campaigns.

The harsh reality is if commercial radio was born today, it would not be delivered locally.

Don't get me wrong - as someone with a background in local radio, I've seen first-hand how powerful and effective it can be when gifted with character, pride and the trust of its audience.

While online has revolutionised news consumption, the quality journalism provided by local radio - which is now multi-platform - will forever be essential to our democracy. Ofcom recognises this, hence the requirement for an enhanced local news service in exchange for more networked programming.

As a source of information, decline for linear radio is inevitable but it's the trust of our listeners that we hold onto. As with character and pride, trust is an emotional response. We're a familiar and helpful voice that they can rely on.

People choose a station because of how it makes them feel - from informed commentary and opinion on LBC, to the warmth of Ken Bruce or entertaining guests with Steve Wright on Radio 2.

Friendly personalities who have a deep-rooted understanding of, and fly the flag for, their patch - as well as of the lives led by their listeners locally - can connect like no other when they're interesting and good company. This is what makes local radio unique and adds enormous value.

Of course, when it comes to general entertainment, where the presenter is sat doesn't come into it.

Good radio is good radio and bad radio is bad radio, regardless of where it is made.

Global have made no secret of their ambition. To be able to network big-name breakfast presenters and grow audience with A-list guests as well as run better, simpler S&P campaigns across the country is huge. In fact, it's one of the greatest opportunities commercial radio has ever had.

Some are questioning why drivetime isn't getting the same treatment when an off-peak regional show between 10am & 4pm would also be compliant.

Any business looks at income and expenditure - if the shows generate local revenues that outweigh running costs, it makes sense to keep them (although you could just split content - e.g. presenter links or maybe while most of the network is hearing a song).

Looking to the future:

• While there'll be fewer roles at a local level, new jobs will continue to be created as the industry reinvents itself and multi-platform operations evolve. See podcasting and social media.

• New talent will be given opportunities to shine and drive us forward with continued relevance. The importance of presenters owning content creation in all its different forms, not just radio, will only increase as today's multi-media landscape expands at a rapid pace.

And then there's community radio assuming it can easily pick up the slack - but let's save that for tomorrow's blogpost!