The acquisition of Passion is a significant first point of entry for ARI into the
Oxfordshire market. The Company is also bidding for the new Oxford/South
Oxfordshire licence, currently advertised by Ofcom and which is due to be awarded
later this year. ARI also intends to be an active participant in the development of DAB
in the Oxfordshire and Northern Home Counties.
ARI was attracted to Oxford because of its strong economic fundamentals, its ABC1
dominated population and the growth prospects for commercial radio in the market.
Apart from the heritage station, Fox FM, which targets a 15-34 audience, the only
other local commercial station in the city is Passion 107.9 FM. The advent of a new
service later this year will give a further boost to commercial radio as it tackles BBC
Radio’s significant presence in the market.
ARI has developed a range of initiatives which it will quickly implement at the station.
It looks forward to presenting these and discussing them with advertisers as it works
with clients in addressing their ongoing youth marketing needs.
Passion 107.9 FM will receive significant and much needed investment under ARI’s
ownership. Ian Walker, an award winning and highly experienced programmer having
worked for both GWR (now GCap Media) and UTV will become the General Manager &
Programme Director.
ARI is building its presence in UK radio through both acquisitions and applications. It
is evaluating further acquisition opportunities and is currently involved in applications
for new FM services in Bristol and Liverpool, in addition to Oxford.
ARI most recently spent two highly successful years running 107.6 Juice FM in
Liverpool where it dramatically increased that station’s audience share from 4.4% to
8.4% in just 2 years.
Clive Dickens – Operations & Programming Director of ARI says;
"We are very excited about working in the Oxford market. It is a market I know well
from my days at Capital Radio and my involvement with Fox FM. There is a huge
amount of potential in Passion and together with our team, led by Ian, we are looking
forward to delivering quality radio to both listeners and advertisers and giving the
BBC a run for its money."
