AFTER more than 35 years as the Isle of Wight's dedicated local radio station, Isle of Wight Radio has been bought by Nation Broadcasting.
It leaves questions on what the takeover will mean for staff, programming, local news coverage and the radio's Dodnor home.
The acquisition expands Nation Broadcasting's presence across the south of England, with the company also acquiring Sussex-based More Radio.
Nation Broadcasting said the two businesses add 85,000 listeners and more than one million weekly listening hours to its existing audiences across Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Isle of Wight Radio has been serving listeners on the Island since 1990.
Nation Broadcasting founder Jason Bryant said: "More Radio and Isle of Wight Radio are high-quality businesses with very strong brands.
"These highly complementary acquisitions, alongside the existing regional strength of Nation Radio and Nation Easy Radio, give us an unrivalled marketing platform for ambitious businesses across the south."
Claire John, managing director of More Radio and Isle of Wight Radio, welcomed the deal.
She said: "We're so pleased to become part of Nation Broadcasting, the fastest growing and biggest regional operator across the south and the Isle of Wight.
"Nation offers the opportunity to offer our local business partners access to even bigger audiences across the best part of Britain."
The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
Questions remain unanswered about whether any jobs are at risk, whether local management and editorial decision-making will remain on the Island, and what guarantees can be given over the future of the Dodnor base.
The station has also been asked whether listeners can expect changes to established programmes, including the Breakfast Show.
It is the end of an era after than three decades on air.
UPDATE: The Beacon Magazine has been sold to GoToLocal Magazines.
Claire John, managing director, said: “I believe GoToLocal is the perfect fit for Beacon Magazine. I would like to thank all of our advertisers and readers for their tremendous support over the years. The Beacon has built a very special relationship with the Isle of Wight community, and I’m looking forward to seeing the magazine continue to flourish in its new home.”
Richard Milbourn, managing director of GoToLocal Magazines, said: "I’m delighted to welcome The Beacon team to GoToLocal. We’re committed to continuing to produce and distribute the magazine to the same exacting standards its readers and advertisers have come to expect.
“The Beacon has a strong connection with its local community, and we’re looking forward to building on that success, supporting the talented team on the Island and developing both its print and digital offering for readers and businesses across the Isle of Wight.”
GoToLocal Magazines runs a network of 22 bi-monthly community magazines covering Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex. The titles are distributed by Royal Mail.
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