The London Daily News

NEWS DESK

One radio group will control five of the capitals radio stations following a landmark ruling by the Office of Fair Trading. Global Radio which currently control Heart FM will now own GCap stations Capital 95.8FM, XfM, Choice FM, LBC 97.3FM, some of the capitals leading brands on the air at present.

The combined group Global and GCap will account for between 20 and 30 per cent of the city's advertising revenue on radio.

Ashley Tabor the groups chairman speaking to The Times said:

"“Global Radio will be able to lead the industry to the consolidation it needs. We will be able to offer value and quality to advertisers and listeners by operating the Heart and Capital brands alongside one another.”

Global radio recently announced redundacies at LBC, and that former Mayor Ken Livingstone and James Whale would join the station.

Industry sources have expressed concern at the lack of competition on the London radio dial, with now a straight clash between Global and the BBC for audience share.

In a seperarte story the only Jewish radio station in London Jcom has closed following a libel case brought by George Galloway MP who was accused of anti-semitism in a sketch. The station which was ordered to pay legal costs and damages totalling £20,000 to George Galloway has now closed. "I'm pleased that this judgment has categorically crushed the slur of anti-Semitism. I have fought racism, all forms of racism, all my political life. I continue to do so and will also continue to vigorously defend my reputation," George Galloway following the verdict.

Phillipa Collins on Capital 95.8FM