Former director at Spirit FM urges new owners to reconsider rebrand

A former director at Spirit FM has urged the station's new owners to reconsider
The team at Spirit FMThe team at Spirit FM
The team at Spirit FM

Clare Apel was a director of the board of Spirit FM in the late 90s and early 00s and said the Chichester-based station is 'so important' for local people.

Bauer Media acquired the station in 2019 and has now announced Spirit FM will join their ‘Hits Radio Brand Network’.

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The integration will mean that Spirit FM will rebrand as ‘Greatest Hits Radio’, a move which has upset thousands of loyal listeners.

Clare, who now sits as a district and city councillor, said: "It was evident from my experience that Spirit FM really had the message of the local area. They always took up any issues both big, small, important and unimportant.

"It is a programme which really has the measure of the importance of a real local radio. I am vice chair of Chichester District Council and chair of Community Affairs on the City Council. It is evident and so important that local people have a place where local issues can be given good publicity in a very sympathetic way.

"We have a very good local paper, however being able to speak on a local radio is so important.

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"Spirit FM has always stepped up to cover any issue, event, meetings both entertaining, political and fund raising. This is so important for local people. It would be so sad if this large company would deny Chichester and surrounds being heard on a local radio.

"I urge you to please rethink and let Spirit FM continue to act as a local radio for the people of Chichester and surrounding areas."

A petition has also been set up which has exceeded its original 7,000 signiature target. Sign the petition here: Save Spirit FM