Bauer Media announces new Content Team for Radio’s Place Portfolio

07 August 2013

-Senior appointments reflect Bauer’s multi-platform content delivery for regional audiences-

Bauer Media has today announced a new senior content team, including new Regional Content Directors, to deliver quality multi-platform content across Bauer’s Place Portfolio of radio stations.  

The announcement reflects Bauer’s on-going focus on delivering locally produced content through online, mobile, social media, FM and digital, connecting with their audience of 14 million on the platforms they desire. To reflect the strategy and the new appointments, the Place Portfolio programming teams will now come under the banner of content.

Ande Macpherson is confirmed as the new Regional Content Director for the North West, leading content teams at Key 103, Radio City & Rock FM.  With previous experience of achieving record audience figures as Network Programming Director for XFM & Century Networks in the UK, he joins from More FM in New Zealand, where he spent the last three years as Network Programming Director.

John Dash makes the move from Clyde 1 in Glasgow and now becomes Regional Content Director for Yorkshire.   John has delivered record audience growth in the past three years at Clyde 1 (increasing market share by over 30% in the last 12 months alone), and with his energy, creativity and experience, he is the ideal choice to drive audience growth across Hallam FM, Viking FM and Radio Aire.

Brian Paige becomes Regional Content Director, Scotland (Central Belt), responsible for Clyde1, Forth One and West FM/West Sound FM.  Brian launched his early career at West Sound in Ayrshire and has been the architect and driving force behind Forth One’s record audience numbers across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife. Brian has a deep passion for the region, a life-long love of radio and a meticulous approach to content improvement.

Gary Muircroft takes the reins of Bauer Radio’s regional Scottish stations, becoming Regional Content Director, Scotland (The Regions), leading the content teams at MFR, Tay and Northsound One.  Gary has spent the majority of his career honing his skills at these stations, including a highly successful stint at Northsound One where he has increased audience reach to 41% over the last 12 months.

In addition, Bauer has also announced Sam Jackson as the new Director of Music for the Place Portfolio. Sam has risen through the ranks of Bauer since 2002 and was instrumental in aligning Bauer’s music offering in 2013. She will now lead the team into what promises to be another big year for Place and the music industry in 2014.  

Chris Pegg has been confirmed as Head of Breakfast Development across the 16 stations in the Place Portfolio. The driving force behind Metro Radio’s return to dominance of the North East radio landscape, Pegg successfully launched the ‘Steve and Karen Breakfast Show’ on Metro and TFM with market leading audience growth. Pegg, who will continue his role as Regional Content Director for Bauer across the North East, won Sony and Arqiva Awards for the Breakfast Show and station respectively in 2013.

Finally, Tom Haynes is also promoted to Regional Programme Controller for the North East, reporting in to Chris Pegg and managing the day-to-day operations for the region which will now include Radio Borders.

Owen Ryan, Group Content Director for North of England and Scotland said: “This is a very exciting time for Bauer Radio. The Place Portfolio’s move to content reflects the breadth and depth of connections our products are making on a minute-by-minute, day-by-day basis. The senior content team has been hand-picked to ensure they have the core disciplines and experience necessary to create outstanding content that is readily available to all our teams. This will allow us to further strengthen our position in each region, delivering market-leading content to all 16 Place stations across the UK.”

All appointments will be effective from September 1^st, except Ande Macpherson who joins Bauer at the end of September, and Sam Jackson, who starts with immediate effect.