New London centre to boost GCap's networked programming

GCap Media is creating a new London programming centre to produce more networked programming across its local radio network.

GCap Media is creating a new London programming centre to produce more networked programming across its local radio network.

It will increase the amount of networked content via the One network from 30 June, following a change in Ofcom rules regarding the amount of networked content permissible on commercial radio.

Ofcom now allows up to 14 hours of networked programmes per weekday, having allowed an extra three hours of networked programmes during the week. However, this is not allowed to include content during breakfast or drive-time programmes. On weekends, the amount of networked content permissible has increased to 20 hours on each day.

Previously, all of GCap's networked programming was produced from Bristol, but since GCap committed to taking advantage of the extra programming hours allowed by Ofcom's rule change, the centre has been moved to London to allow better access to talent.

The new centre, situated in GCap's Leicester Square offices, will employ a team of 25 who were already working for the company and have been relocated. One new daytime show and three new weekend shows will be created for networking. Each show will be three hours long. The new presenters, who are replacing the local DJs in these designated slots, will be announced shortly.

Mark Lee, GCap managing director of regions, said: "It's all about delivering stronger content so we can compete with the BBC. Although we have opted to take full advantage of the changes Ofcom made to the amount of networked hours, we wouldn't have done this if we didn't feel it would put us in a stronger position. We believe this will be the way to deliver stronger content - with a good mix of local and networked content."

Media Week 11-Jun-08