Local Radio has recently undergone another shambolic rebranding with over twenty established, recognised commercial local radio stations being rebranded as "Heart" across the UK. Apparently they're the "better music mix". It must be 1985 again.
Their output is very dull and constant promotions for Lionel Richie and their networked Toby Anstis show (which seem to be the main idents being played on what used to be Orchard in Somerset) don't help.
One of the most notable losses is that of Bristol's GWR, easily the most popular and established ILR in the city. Outside of Bristol, the other parts of the GWR empire have been somewhat less successful, but within the city the (sometimes irritating) pro-Bristolian programming and idents were obviously a winner.
I just can't see people getting excited about a national brand taking over their local stations, particularly as similar rebrandings of grouped radio stations have resulted in abysmal listening figures. If the Heart brand was recognised as a quality broadcaster in locations where they were already active then there might seem to be logic behind this exercise, but i haven't yet heard any positive comments from casual radio listeners about their "new, improved" local commercial broadcaster
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