UTV decides to sell Imagine FM

by Emma Barnett, Media Week 01-Jul-08, 07:30

LONDON - UTV has put Stockport radio station Imagine FM up for sale after Ofcom rejected plans to safeguard its future by co-locating it with its other North West radio stations.

Last month, Ofcom refused UTV Radio's bid to locate Imagine FM with Wish FM, Wire FM and Tower FM in a new central headquarters in Warrington.

Ofcom argued that a station serving an area as large as Imagine should operate separate studios within its licensed area.

It has now decided to sell the station and claims to have fielded several approaches already. Several unnamed local radio groups have expressed an interest in the station.

UTV managing director Scott Taunton said: "We hope very shortly to be in a position to sell Imagine FM as a going concern. We feel that this is the best outcome, not only for the staff of Imagine FM, but also for the station's listeners and the residents of Stockport."