A former managing director of the Scottish division of the company that owns, among others, Real Radio Scotland, is stepping down to lead a possible management buy-out of one of its other stations.
Billy Anderson is to negotiations over a possible purchase of Glasgow-based 96.3 Rock Radio. He is currently Real and Rock Radio brand managing director, following a promotion which then led to Gavin Bruce being appointed last year to succeed him in Scotland.
Says a statement issued by GMG: “After almost ten years with GMG Radio, where he’s played a key role primarily in the development and success of the group’s operations in Scotland and the North East of England, Anderson will leave at the end of August to concentrate on his proposed purchase plan.”
GMG Radio, which was founded 12 years ago, is part of Guardian Media Group. The third-largest commercial radio group in the UK, it owns Smooth Radio and five Real Radio stations, with a combined weekly reach of 5.35 million listeners.
It is understood 96.3 Rock Radio is the first wholly-owned station to be disposed of by the company.
The statement quotes Anderson, as saying: “I’ve had the time of my life at GMG Radio, joining when the group was about to launch its second station, Real Scotland, and I will truly miss the people. But I’m extremely excited about the potential for Rock Radio and will now be able to fully focus on acquiring the station. Once that is complete, I am looking forward to unveiling plans on a unique new way of experiencing and interacting with the greatest genre of music in the world – rock.”
